Quote of the day
“We hope it’s not needed, but it is vitally important for these heroes on the front lines to know that this policy is in place to help protect their health and safety during this difficult and uncertain time.”
Minnesota Sen. President Jeremy Miller
Minnesota first responders could gain access to workers’ comp for COVID-19
Minnesota lawmakers are scheduled to discuss a proposal that would allow first responders, police officers, firefighters, and healthcare employees, including home healthcare and childcare employees providing care to first responders, to have contracted COVID-19 while on the job and workers’ compensation eligibility. First responders have been urging state lawmakers to act before a peak in cases of COVID-19 is expected to hit Minnesota. Duluth News Tribune
Rep, police union push for coverage for first responders during pandemic
South Carolina state Rep. Russell Fry is working to push through legislation that will give workers’ compensation to those on the frontlines of coronavirus. The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police is also pushing for the measure by asking the governor to issue an executive order. WBTW
Virginia: Failure to wear seatbelt bars benefits
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission correctly denied a workers’ compensation claim filed by an employee who was injured while driving his employer’s ice delivery trailer, after finding he willfully failed to wear a seatbelt, an appeals court has ruled. Virginia Lawyers Weekly [may require registration]
Union alleges coronavirus hazards at 100 prisons
A complaint filed by a corrections officers’ union charges federal prisons are proliferating the spread of coronavirus and cites “imminent danger” conditions at 100 facilities nationwide. The union alleges the Federal Bureau of Prisons has violated national regulations as well as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on mitigating the spread of the coronavirus. Government Executive