EMPLOYEES MAKE FEWER CLAIMS FOR MORE MONEY

* Despite a drop in the number of workers' compensation claims, costs per claim have risen dramatically. From 1989 to 1991 the average number of workers' compensation claims per 100 employees fell from 10.9 to 10.1. However, the average cost per claim increased 35 percent.

Medical expenses were cited as a leading factor in driving up costs, according to a survey of 733 companies by Johnson & Higgins, an independent insurance broker.