Quote of the day
“But [school shootings] are a significant and notable source [of workplace injuries. And keeping teachers safe, I think that’s a public concern for all of us. Do we keep our teachers safe, do we keep our workers safe, and then ultimately, keeping children safe.”
Bureau of Workers Compensation CEO Stephanie McCloud, regarding school shootings are not the biggest source of workplace injuries.
Florida: Workers’ comp rate cut considered
Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier is considering whether to approve an average 5.4 percent reduction in workers’ compensation insurance rates, despite an ongoing debate about a 2016 Florida Supreme Court ruling that eliminated a cap on what applicant attorneys could be paid. Jay Rosen, an actuary with the National Council on Compensation Insurance, says attorney involvement in workers’ compensation disputes has been increasing since the ruling. CBS Miami
Disabled Long Islanders face higher unemployment, job market challenges
Advocates for workers with disabilities say that despite near record low unemployment rates, job opportunities for disabled Long Islanders have improved only marginally and unemployment rates have remained significantly higher for job-seekers with disabilities than those without. Moreover, New Yorkers with disabilities are 2.6 times more likely overall to live in poverty than residents without disabilities, according to the nonprofit New York State Industries for the Disabled. Newsday
Ohio BWC offering school security grants
The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation has approved $6.6 million for school safety and security initiatives including security doors, panic bars, bulletproof glass and modifications of facility entrances to restrict access. The grants offer $3 for every $1 a school district spends, up to $40,000. WOSU (Columbus) [with audio]
Vermont gov highlights efforts to reduce injuries, workers’ comp in logging sector
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and representatives of several state agencies including the state Department of Labor this week highlighted progress on the new Vermont Logger Safety and Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program, including a 15 percent workers’ compensation premium credit. Vermont Business Magazine
West Virginia: County to renew workers’ comp policy
Brooke County, West Virginia officials have approved renewing the county’s workers’ compensation policy with Encova, formerly known as Brickstreet. Weirton Daily Times