Quote of the day
"It wasn't hard for us to reach a conclusion very quickly that WSI is really doing an excellent job. It was almost puzzling to come in here, after hearing everything that we've heard, to see an organization that I would stack up against any organization that does this kind of work in the United States."
Henry Neal Conolly, a former director of New York's workers' compensation fund, to the board of North Dakota's workers' comp agency
Eight Major Workers’ Comp Mistakes
Looking at workers’ compensation as a business necessity or a commodity is a major fallacy. Although most employers fail to recognize it, workers’ comp is a core business practice and a means for improving the bottom line. Here are eight mistakes employers should avoid so they can achieve long-term savings. By Frank Pennachio, American Printer
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Former Fargo Mayor Suggested as WSI Chief Executive
The directors of North Dakota’s workers compensation agency, Workforce Safety and Insurance, will consider choosing an interim chief executive officer. A consultant’s report says WSI’s board should replace the current interim CEO, and Bruce Furness, the former mayor of Fargo, is a potential candidate. By Dale Wetzel, AP via Fargo Forum
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Consultant: WSI Should Cut Upper Management Ranks
Workforce Safety and Insurance should cut its upper management ranks, allow state insurance regulation and consider restoring an independent agency’s role in handling worker benefit appeals, contends Henry Neal Conolly, a former director of New York’s workers compensation fund.
Go to the full story by Dale Wetzel, AP via Grand Forks Herald
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Franken Not the Only Candidate with Unpaid Workers’ Comp
Just two days after Al Franken was reported to have an unpaid $25,000 workers’ compensation fine in the state of New York, the campaign of another Democratic Senate candidate, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, reports that it hadn’t covered its employees either. Nelson-Pallmeyer’s campaign now has the insurance for its six paid employees, according to a spokesperson. By AP via WCCO-TV (Minneapolis)
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New Shipyards Ergonomics Standards Released
Fed-OSHA releases of “Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders: Guidelines for Shipyards,” an industry-specific guidance document that provides practical recommendations to help employers and employees reduce the number and severity of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. By Katherine Torres, Occupational Hazards
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Saskatchewan Workers’ Comp and Labor Boards Have New Chair
The Saskatchewan Labor Relation Board and the Workers’ Compensation Board have new chairman, a Regina lawyer, the provincial government announces. Regina Leader-Post
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