Quote of the day
“They now have the presumption that they have an occupational disease compensable under workers’ compensation.”
Nancy Leppink, Minnesota Labor and Industry commissioner
Minnesota fielding COVID-related workers’ comp claims
Minnesota OSHA has received 159 coronavirus-related complaints since March 1 and has opened 10 formal investigations, including three involving food-processing facilities. The state’s Department of Labor and Industry also has received 389 workers’ compensation claims where the suspected injury is COVID-19. It’s unknown at present whether these claims will be paid or denied, according to the department. Minneapolis StarTribune
As they reopen, Pennsylvania businesses want legal shield, employees accountability
As the state begins to allow Pennsylvania businesses to gradually reopen during the pandemic, there is a looming looming question: who, if anyone, is liable if an employee or customer gets sick? Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Employees of Chicago hospital raise workplace concerns
Employees at Northwestern Memorial Hospital say they were not given adequate personal protective equipment, like N95 masks, or paid sick leave or workers’ compensation after contacting the novel coronavirus while at work. Newsweek [with video]
North Carolina expects legislative fight over virus-related workers’ comp
Business groups that represent retail merchants, pork producers, trucking companies, manufacturing companies, gas stations, restaurants, hotels and hospitals, are lobbying the North Carolina General Assembly against changes that would make it easier for employees to win workers’ compensation claims related to the coronavirus pandemic. The bill has nearly enough sponsors to pass the House. WRAL
Arkansas gov advises employees concerned about return to work
Arkansas’ governor says employees nervous about returning to work have a remedy in workers’ compensation. 40/29