Quote of the day
“We get a lot of shoulder, back and neck injuries.”
Andrea Hamm, a partner at Miller Cohen, a labor and employment law firm in Detroit
Ohio BWC considers 13-percent rate cut for private employers
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation announced last week private employers would pay nearly $132 million less in premiums as the result of a proposed 13 percent rate reduction. If approved by the agency’s board of directors, the reduction would take effect July 1 and be the agency’s third rate cut in as many years for private employers. Crain’s Cleveland Business
Fast food chain faces wrongful death suit from employee’s family
The family of a 37-year-old man who died in 2018 after suffering chest pains while working as a cook at a San Antonio fast food restaurant has filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking more than $1 million from the restaurant chain, alleging negligence. San Antonio Express-News [may require registration]
Athletic trainer helps GM line workers avoid injuries
Nearly half of General Motor’s plant injuries are strains and sprains, which can be costly workers’ compensation claims. In late 2017, GM piloted a program at a Michigan plant, hiring an athletic trainer to walk the assembly line daily and watch how workers moved and lifted. The intent is to teach them how to reduce injuries. Detroit Free Press
Workers’ compensation and medical costs associated with occupational falls have been estimated at $70 billion annually in the United States. Here is a three-step plan a company can use to develop a workplace fall prevention program. Central Penn Business Journal
Oregon employers, workers reminded of Spring ‘Safety Break’
Oregon OSHA is encouraging employers and employees to team up to celebrate on-the-job health and safety during the 17th annual Safety Break in May, with the goal of fewer injuries and reduced workers’ compensation costs. KTVZ (Bend)