Quote of the day
“The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is practicing sound fiscal stewardship by recommending this large rate reduction, while still maintaining a stable compensation fund for injured workers.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine
Firefighter cancer bill passes Virginia Senate
Legislation that would add add colon, brain and testicular to the list of covered cancers under Virginia’s workers’ compensation law passed the Virginia Senate floor in a 39-1 vote Friday. WTKR (Norfolk, Va.)
Ohio’s workers’ comp program proposes largest private-employer rate cut in nearly 60 years
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation last week considered a 20-percent reduction in the average premium rate it charges private employers, which would be its largest rate cut in nearly six decades and the ninth time the BWC has reduced rates since 2008. The agency is expected to approve the idea during its February 22 meeting. The rate cut would take effect July 1. Cleveland Plain Dealer
Kentucky records record low nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses
Kentucky has recorded its lowest rate of nonfatal incidents recorded in more than two decades, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate for all industries dropped to 3.3 cases per 100 full-time employees in 2017, a decrease from the previous rate of 3.4 in 2016 and the rate of 3.7 in 2015. WMKY (Morehead, Ky.)
Idaho bill would amend law for first responders who suffer trauma
In Idaho, first responders can receive compensation for a work-related mental injury only if it is accompanied by a physical injury. On Thursday, legislation that would change the state’s workers’ compensation law to allow first responders to file claims for post-traumatic stress injuries was introduced in a Senate committee. MJDonline
OFF TOPIC: PG&E claims rates could skyrocket if forced to clear trees, inspect electricity system
PG&E estimates rate increases in one year would be more than five times current rates in typical utility bills for 16 million Californians if the embattled utility is ordered comply with a federal judge’s proposed order for a massive maintenance and inspection effort for its electricity grid. Mercury News
Growth of legal pot farms drives smog, safety worries
The expansion of legal pot farms in the 10 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., that have legalized recreational marijuana has researchers and regulators concerned about their impacts on air quality and worker health. Science