Quote of the day
"Maine has been able to turn back the tide."
Maine Gov. John Baldacci, about his package of health insurance reforms that would lead to mandatory coverage for businesses and individuals, and includes market reforms including worksite wellness programs
Maryland: Grace Period Does Not Apply to WCC Orders
In Maryland, a three-day grace period for service by mail does not apply to the Workers’ Compensation Commission’s orders, which must be challenged within 30 days from the date of mailing, the state Court of Special Appeals rules. As a result, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is one day too late to contest a ruling for a station manager who injured her lower back on the job in 2000. By Barbara Grzincic, Maryland Daily Record
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Delaware Lawmakers Delay Comp Law to Fix Unclear Language
The Delaware General Assembly is delaying implementation of Sen. Bill 68, the state’s new workers’ compensation law, so that lawmakers can amend language that could have forced sole proprietors to purchase workers comp insurance even if they had no employees. By Leslie A. Pappas, News Journal (Wilmington)
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Judge Throws Book at Employer for Lying in Workers’ Comp Hearing
As part of his punishment for lying under oath during a 2002 Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents hearing on an employee’s workers’ compensation claim, a judge orders the former owner of a defunct pallet company to read Yale law professor Stephen L. Carter’s book “Integrity” and to write a 1,000-word essay. By Gary V. Murray, Worcester Telegram
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Maine Closer to Universal Health Care
In Maine, Gov. John Baldacci unveils a broad package of health insurance reforms that would lead to mandatory coverage for businesses and individuals. MaineCare includes reducing administrative costs and recovery of more money from insurers, workers’ compensation and Department of Veterans Affairs. By Glenn Adams, AP via Boston Globe
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Robots: Safety Hazard of the Future?
At a recent Institution of Occupational Safety and Health conference in England, experts discuss the possible workplace health and safety risks of the future. Exoskeletal “bionic” suits, robotic assistants, and self-directed computers could be just a few of those unusual hazards. Norwich Union Risk Services (U.K.)
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Sunshine State Man Collected More Than $180,000, Say Authorities
A Brevard County, Fla., man is charged with collecting more than $180,000 in workers’ compensation benefits from a fraudulent claim relating to a purported back injury for which he already received treatment. By Susanne Cervenka, Florida Today
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Zambia Comp Agency Workers Protest Restructuring
Unionized workers at Zambia’s Workmen’s Compensation Fund Control Board headquarters protest against a pending restructuring, which media reports have suggested could cause layoffs, and demand information on how it will be implemented. UNI-Africa News
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