Quote of the day
"The state should have paid and could have paid less money to resolve these workers' compensation claims. We will take whatever action we can under the law to hold accountable anybody who made excessive amounts of profit or remuneration as a result of this set of events."
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
Connecticut AG Blasts State’s Workers’ Comp Deal
High-ranking state officials and a private consulting firm made questionable and ill-informed decisions that led to an overpriced $80 million deal involving state employees’ workers’ compensation claims, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal charges. By Dave Collins, AP via Newsday
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Fed-OSHA NEP Targets Crystalline Silica
In a new instruction, Fed-OSHA describes policies and procedures for implementing a National Emphasis Program to identify and reduce or eliminate health hazards associated with occupational exposure to crystalline silica. Construction, maritime and general industries workers are routinely exposed to the compound, the cause of disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease silicosis. By Katherine Torres, Occupational Hazards
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West Virginia Claimant’s Saga Updated
A West Virginia television station follows up in the struggle of an injured worker to collect workers’ comp. WBOY-TV (Clarksburg, W.V.) [with video] Go to the Full Story…
New York Law Establishes Loss-Cost System
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer signs legislation establishing a loss-cost system to determine workers’ compensation rates. Under the new law, a rating agency will develop loss costs that must receive state insurance regulators’ approval. Insurers also will submit for approval their individual loss-cost multiplier, which will be determined by their expenses. By Roberto Ceniceros, Business Insurance
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Idaho Bills Would Give Benefits to Volunteer Firefighters
Three bills in the Idaho Legislature would give volunteer firefighters, emergency medical services workers and police officers death benefits, workers’ compensation, and a small pension that would depend on years of service. By Heath Druzin, Idaho Statesman [with photo] Go to the Full Story…