News Digest 11-20-2020

 

Florida legislators may split on workers’ comp changes

Florida lawmakers on Tuesday showed support for legislation intended to protect businesses from lawsuits related to COVID-19, but may split over whether to move ahead with changes to the workers’ compensation insurance system. Business groups have pushed the Florida Legislature to address the system since a 2016 Florida Supreme Court ruling that strict caps on plaintiffs’ attorney fees in workers’ compensation cases were unconstitutional. Florida Trend

 

OR-OSHA implements temporary COVID-19 rules

New rules intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 take effect Monday in Oregon, and are separate from guidelines linked to a statewide ‘freeze’ that began last week. The rules include that employers must ensure six-foot distancing between people in the workplace, and that all employees and customers wear a face mask, face covering or face shield, and must provide that equipment for employees, free of charge. KGW [with video]

 

Here’s why business insurance rates are rising

The unpredictable nature of the pandemic has only led to greater uncertainty in the market, adding upward pressure to rates, writes Jody Sarchett, executive vice president of sales with Lovitt & Touché. Several factors are driving higher claims payouts. Moreover, data security and privacy continues to be one of the top risks for many organizations. AZ Big Media

 

Ohio: Youngstown to end year with surplus

A Youngstown, Ohio city official says the city received three rebates back on its workers’ compensation in the amount of $2.7 million. A preliminary budget for 2021 is expected to be presented at city council’s next meeting. WFMJ

 

CLAIMS

Trucking: Six ways to maximize fleet safety investments

More than one in three long-haul truck driver has been in a serious truck crash in their career. In trucking, most workers’ compensation claims come from injuries sustained during loading, unloading, slips, trips, falls, strains from entering and exiting the vehicle, repetitive body movements over long periods of time, falls from loading docks, handling heavy equipment and materials, and collisions, according to Don Osterberg, a former senior VP of safety, security and driver training at Schneider National. Fleet Owner