Flash: New DIR Director & Counsel
Over a year into his office and nearly two years after a vacancy the Governor appoints a new head of Division of Industrial Relations. They get a new General Counsel as well. Cal-OSHA Reporter
Bill to provide workers’ comp to first responders with PTSD dies in West Virginia Senate
Legislation to permit police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics to receive workers’ compensation benefits for job-related post-traumatic stress disorder, without an accompanying physical injury, passed the West Virginia House unanimously but died in the state’s Senate Finance Committee. But more than one lawmaker has said the bill may have new life in the next legislative session. Herald-Dispatch
Officer’s wife says he’s losing job after speaking out about workers’ comp
A Texas police officer, who was severely injured in 2017 while trying to handcuff a suspect, and now works modified duty in an administrative position, has been ordered to stop carrying his duty weapon in what may be the first step toward his termination. His wife has posted on social media that she thought the city was terminating her husband because they had been so vocal about the mistreatment they received going through the workers’ compensation process. Blue Lives Matter
Can employees refuse to travel out of fear of contracting coronavirus?
An employment lawyer discusses work travel during the coronavirus outbreak. What happens if an employee refuses to travel abroad out of fear of contracting the coronavirus? Forbes
South Carolina business prepare for coronavirus
South Carolina companies say it’s its mostly business-as-usual, at least for now. But the outbreak has already turned up in two neighboring states, North Carolina and Georgia. And, Some of the state’s manufacturers are already feeling the impact of the outbreak abroad. Post and Courier (Charleston, S.C.)
Grain bin deaths expose contrast in North Dakota, Minnesota farm safety funding
In North Dakota, fire departments that respond to grain bin accidents can find some financial assistance through the state’s workers’ compensation agency, which provides $15,000 in grant funding per year for grain bin rescue training. Unlike in neighboring Minnesota, state money for farm safety efforts has dried up, and there are no plans for an infusion of funds. INFORUM