Quote of the day
"How am I going to survive? I don't want to sell drugs. I don't want to become a prostitute. I just want to work. I've used my tax money, I've borrowed from friends. But I'm afraid that soon I won't be able to pay my bills. All I want to do is be able to live and feed my cat."
Julie Jones, registered nurse and injured Oklahoma worker, whose benefits are about to be cut off, following a state high court ruling
Granite State Agencies Crack Down on Misclassifications
Four New Hampshire agencies are collaborating to target companies that illegally misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment taxes. By AP via Concord Monitor
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Spokane Hospital Pilot Program Touts Success in Driving Down Costs
Occupational health officials at the Center of Occupational Health & Education, a pilot project funded by the Washington state Department of Labor and Industries, at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute in Spokane, say a recent study shows its efforts have resulted in fewer rejected, reopened and protested workers’ compensation claims, less frequent use of attorneys by participants, and a lower pension rate for time-loss benefits than their non-COHE counterparts, since it began operations five years ago. By Emily Proffitt, Journal of Business (Spokane) [with photo] Go to the Full Story…
OKC Nurse’s Predicament Illustrates Effect of Limitation Ruling
An Oklahoma Supreme Court’s recent ruling that effectively reinstituted an eight-week limit on workers’ compensation benefits for soft tissue injuries is troubling news for, among others, an Oklahoma City-area nurse who will receive no more benefits after the month of June. Julie Jones’ situation is so dire that her attorney considers her layoff the good news. By Janice Francis-Smith, Journal Record (Oklahoma City)
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Rules for Crane Operators Nearly Four Decades Old
In the wake of three fatal crane accidents in recent weeks, including a collapse in New York late last week that killed two construction workers and seriously injured another, it’s worth noting that Fed-OSHA existing rules for workers who operate cranes have not been updated since 1971. By Dan Caterinicchia, AP via Forbes
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Mizzou Wellness Program Wins Heart Association Award
The University of Missouri’s wellness program for faculty and staff began as a pilot in 2004 and expanded to the four system campuses in October 2007. As a result of programs like smoking cessation, stress management, healthy eating and exercise, the program wins an award from the American Heart Association. By Michael Sewall, Columbia Missourian
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Mass. Mayor Won’t Let City Underwrite School’s Workers’ Comp
The Westfield, Mass. school department’s attempt to have the city underwrite its workers’ compensation and other expenses next year is unacceptable, according to the mayor, who wants the department to find another $300,000 to cut from the proposed fiscal 2009 budget. By Ted LaBorde, Springfield Republican
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