Arizona firefighters say cities are breaking workers’ comp law
In 2017, the Arizona Legislature passed a bill to expand the list of cancers that are legally presumed to be a result of firefighters’ workplace conditions, including leukemia, melanoma and testicular cancer, among others. However, firefighters say cities are breaking that law. Arizona Capitol Times
Iowa: Trial ordered in former workers’ comp commissioner’s lawsuit
A judge last week rejected the state’s request to dismiss a long-running lawsuit filed by the state’s former workers’ compensation commissioner. Chris Godfrey alleged his pay was slashed improperly by former Gov. Terry Branstad on the basis of his political party or sexual orientation. Des Moines Register
Illinois appeals court denies claim for additional workers’ comp for former coal worker
Illinois First District Appellate Court has denied a 70-year-old former coal company employee’s claim for increased workers’ compensation benefits. The plaintiff was first injured in 1997 and alleged he was entitled to more total temporary benefits for a two-year period as well as permanent total disability benefits. Madison – St. Clair Record
Trench collapse deaths rising despite being preventable
Safety experts say a construction boom can result in trench collapse deaths or serious injuries, even though they are entirely preventable when safety measures are followed. From 2011 to 2016, 130 people died in the U.S. as a result of cave-ins from trenching or excavating, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The figures show the highest number of fatal incidents were 25 in 2015 and 36 in 2016. Dayton Daily News