California: Ventura County fireman ordered to pay more than $200K for workers’ comp fraud
A 34-year-old Santa Barbara, California fireman, who was sentenced for lying to obtain disability benefits, has been ordered to pay more than $200,000 in restitution and fines. He pleaded guilty to the fraud charges in December and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 24 months of felony probation in January 2021. KEYT
Union seeks action in response to attack on staff at Brooklyn juvenile detention center
A union is calling for widespread changes at a Brooklyn juvenile detention center following a violent attack in which approximately eight residents wrestled keys from a supervisor and tried to reach a rival gang that was in another area. A former youth development specialist says the facility’s model for crises is not working because there is a long history of their members being out on workers’ compensation. News 12 The Bronx [with video]
Father’s legal quest following son’s work-related death stymied by Texas law
A Texas man whose 22-year-old son died after being pinned under a forklift in a 2019 work-related incident is pushing to change state law so parents can seek civil damages for wrongful death. KENS
Pennsylvania commissioner approves loss-cost reduction for workers’ comp
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman last week announced approval of a loss-cost filing, including a 3.02 percent reduction in loss costs, which is expected to reduce workers’ comp premiums for many businesses in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania Business Report
Two dozen jobs that can damage your hearing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 22 million Americans are exposed to one particular hazard at work: noise. Nearly half of the jobs that rank among the noisiest in America are production occupations, including machine assemblers, food processors, machinists, woodworkers, and more. These jobs require the use of large, noisy machinery, and employees are exposed to constant noise pollution throughout the day. 24/7 Wall St.