Quote of the day
“In our trade, it’s not a single incident. It’s maybe accumulation over a long period of time. Our opportunities to tap the brakes on the work and let’s talk about our mental health and how everyone’s coping. Typically we will bring in a critical assessment team.”
Wausau, Wisconsin Fire’s Deputy Chief Robert Barteck
Connecticut state employee charged with workers’ compensation fraud
A 34-year-old New Britain, Connecticut woman has been charged with illegally collecting more than $7,500 in workers’ compensation and medical benefits while employed by the state Department of Developmental Services. Investigators found discrepancies in the actual cause of the injury and also determined she failed to report that she was working and earning wages while collecting the disability benefits. WTIC (Hartford, Conn.)
Georgia county commissioner goes on trial for fraud
A county commissioner in coastal Georgia is on trial for charges that he took money from clients of his insurance business but failed to procure coverage for workers’ compensation and other lines of insurance. Prosecutors say his wife handled the paperwork on some of the policies but has refused to testify in the case. WJXT (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Bill would ease PTSD coverage for Wisconsin first responders
A new bill in the Wisconsin Senate would make it easier for first responders to receive mental health care for post-traumatic stress disorder. Mental health treatment presently is not covered by workers’ compensation, but the proposed bill would allow first responders to file a claim stating their PTSD is service-related. WSAU-WAOW
Firefighters hope to create cleaner culture to escape cancer risk
Studies in recent years have linked firefighting with an increase in the likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer, but despite the recent research, it is difficult for a firefighter to prove his or her cancer was caused by the job. A team at a nonprofit integrated healthcare network is conducting a study to determine how many volunteer firefighters in New York have developed cancer over the past few decades. Poughkeepsie Journal
Maine town plans vote to cover workers’ comp costs
Livermore Falls, Maine’s town manager recently reported that a special town meeting is necessary to cover a $24,500 increase in workers’ compensation insurance. The premium went from $23,500 to $48,000 because of an extremely expensive injury. Lewiston Sun Journal