Quote of the day
"Web training is a great tool for the future. Because there are computers everywhere, our guys out in the field could get their courses done without spending time traveling to a classroom where they learn the same thing."
Timothy Hjermstad, director of corporate safety, Constar International of Norwood, Massachusetts
State Fund Announces Seventh Straight Rate Cut
State Compensation Insurance Fund files 2007 workers’ compensation insurance rates calling for a 9 percent average decrease in collectible premium. The new rates will affect new and renewal workers’ compensation policies with an effective date on or after January 1, 2007. Workers’ Comp Executive
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Workers’ Comp Reform Near Top of Alaska Chamber’s Wish List
The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce adopts five legislative priorities for the upcoming session, one of which is to improve the state’s workers’ compensation system through regulatory reform to Alaska’s 2005 workers comp bill. Alaska Journal of Commerce
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Q&A: Reinstatement After Medical Clearance
The Eugene Register-Guard follows up its question-and-answer regarding whether a staff veterinarian who was injured on the job must be reinstated after acquiring a full medical release, when his position had been filled while he was off-work by a more accomplished veterinarian in the field. Eugene Register-Guard
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Safety Requires Physical, Emotional Investment
To effectively deliver a safety message to employees, regardless of the training method used, it is important to get them involved physically and emotionally in the learning process. Interactive online training is an emerging tool, but it’s one of several effective methods. By Katherine Torres, Occupational Hazards
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Rates in Canada’s North Going Down, But Reasons in Dispute
Workers’ compensation insurance premiums for many businesses in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, already about 15 percent below the rest of Canada, are going down even more as a result of good investments and fewer claims, says the board. But others contend the reduction is a result of the board denying legitimate claims by injured workers. CBC North (Canada)
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Commentary: Injured Albertans Deserve Better
Despite years of reviews, studies, reports and promises by the Alberta government to reform Alberta’s notorious Workers’ Compensation Board, nothing ever seems to really change. Does anyone in the government have the guts to rein in this beast? Edmonton Sun
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Florida Framer Busted for Fraud in Hiring Illegals
A Jacksonville house framer pleads guilty to defrauding the Internal Revenue Service of $510,000 as part of a conspiracy with other area subcontractors to hire illegal immigrants and avoid payroll taxes and workers’ compensation insurance. By Paul Pinkham, Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville)
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Sheriff Gobble Formalizes Policy on Covering Injured Employees
In response to the shooting of an officer, Bradley County, Tenn. Sheriff Tim Gobble drafts a new policy that will provide full pay to employees who are injured on the job until they return to work, providing the difference between workers’ compensation benefits and regular take-home pay. The Chattanoogan
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