Quote of the day
“They get calls from someone considering suicide to someone screaming because they just came home and what they found, it may be somebody in cardiac arrest, where the person calling may need to do CPR.”
Denver 911 director Athena Butler
Nevada appeals court hears former police officer’s workers’ comp case
The Nevada Court of Appeals heard arguments Tuesday in a workers’ compensation claim made by a Henderson police officer who said he suffered hearing loss on the job as a result of sirens, gunshots and his radio earpiece. The officer’s 2006 workers’ compensation claim was denied after doctors said his hearing loss was not caused or aggravated by his work; he filed a second claim 10 years later after his hearing loss worsened. Las Vegas Review-Journal
Colorado lawmakers target workers’ comp loophole that affects 911 operators
A loophole in Colorado law has prevented 911 operators and dispatchers from collecting workers’ compensation for emotional trauma when they hear a traumatizing event. Currently, emergency workers must see something traumatizing. The bipartisan bill received full support and passed its first hearing on Wednesday. CBS Denver [with video]
Workers’ compensation affects medical spending
Workers’ compensation is unique in the realm of health insurance because the employee receives full coverage for medical treatment. Marika Cabral, an assistant professor at University of Texas at Austin, has researched the extent to which workers’ compensation coverage influences behaviors like medical spending, program costs and welfare. Johns Hopkins News-Letter
Oregon employers, workers invited to take ‘Safety Break’ this Spring
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)