Quote of the day
"While we're confident that we have legal authority, we are holding the nomination to review the issues that have been raised."
Michael Marr, spokesman for Gov. George Pataki, about the nomination of the daughter of a powerful lobbyist to a second consecutive term on the state Workers' Compensation Board
Family Business Owners Nabbed for Workers’ Comp Fraud
Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announces the arrests of the owners of a residential framing contracting business for workers’ compensation fraud and payroll tax evasion. Workers’ Comp Executive
Go to the Full Story…
Ridgecrest Considers Self-Insuring for Workers’ Comp
The Ridgecrest City Council’s consent-calendar items include a resolution approving an application for a self-insurance certificate for workers’ compensation and a resolution allowing the city manager to execute an agreement with Bragg and Associates for workers’ compensation third-party administration services. By John V. Ciani, Daily Independent
Go to the Full Story…
Pataki Halts His ‘Midnight Appointment’ of Lobbyist’s Daughter to WCB
In response to criticism, New York Gov. George Pataki puts on hold his nomination of Ellen O. Paprocki, the daughter of a powerful lobbyist and Pataki advisor, to a second consecutive term on the state Workers’ Compensation Board. By Jennifer Medina, New York Times
Go to the Full Story…
Starr Sues AIG for Alleged Mismanagement of Settlement
American International Group Inc.’s largest shareholder, Starr International Co., files suit against the insurer Tuesday, accusing it of mismanaging a settlement with regulators. The settlement includes $344 million set aside for states that were allegedly harmed by AIG’s understating of workers’ compensation premiums. CNN Money
Go to the Full Story…
West Virginia Chamber to Host Workers’ Comp Seminar
The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce will host an informational seminar on workers’ compensation next Thursday in Charleston that will provide updates and information on system reforms, particularly the new NCCI rate system. The seminar will include the president and CEO of BrickStreet Insurance and the state insurance commissioner. West Virginia Record
Go to the Full Story…
OR-OSHA Puts Focus on Youth Labor
In 2004, 149 Oregon workers under age 18 were seriously injured, with a 16-year-old fatally injured, in work-related incidents eligible for workers’ compensation. As a result, OR-OSHA is reminding students with summer jobs to focus on safety and to report unsafe conditions or equipment problems to supervisors. By OSHA, Medford News [With Photo] Go to the Full Story…
Four Toledo Firms Among Those ‘Cheating the System’
Four Toledo-area companies are among the 57 in the state that let their Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation coverage lapse because they owe more than $10,000 in estimated premiums. Toledo Blade
Go to the Full Story…
Skin, Bone Marrow Cancer-Stricken Firefighters Fight Denial of Benefits
Two retired British Columbia firefighters who have cancer say WorkSafe BC is not recognizing their cancers as work-related and has refused to pay them compensation. An agency spokesperson says the burden is on individuals with rare cancers, including of the bone marrow and skin, to prove the illnesses are work-related. CBC British Columbia [With Photos] Go to the Full Story…
Iowa State University Moves Claim Filing Online
Iowa State University’s formerly paper-only process of filing first injury reports goes online and is expected to expedite the workers’ compensation process. Iowa State Daily
Go to the Full Story…