Note to our subscribers: Workers’ Comp Executive is taking its annual summer break from July 5-16. We will resume publication July 19.
Ransomware attack may have exposed personal data in Washington workers’ comp claims
A ransomware attack on an outside contractor for Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries may have exposed contact information and other personal data for more than 16,000 workers’ compensation claimants. The agency says the attack was on a vendor the agency had contracted to conduct a customer service survey and that no medical information, Social Security numbers, bank or credit card information or other personal information was included on the document that was accessed. Seattle Times
New York contractors accused of not obtaining workers’ comp coverage
Two Queensbury, New York-based contractors have been arrested for allegedly failing to obtain workers’ compensation insurance after authorities determined they did not obtain the required insurance despite having an employee working on a construction job. Post-Star (Glens Falls, N.Y.)
Opinion: The disabled are essential to the economy’s recovery
While the unemployment rates for both groups have dropped, the gap between disabled and nondisabled workers has widened. However, disabled employees were more likely than their nondisabled peers to be employed in “essential” professions that kept the country functioning during lockdown including, food, agricultural and transportation. MarketWatch
Oregon lifts face covering, distancing parts of COVID-19 workplace rules
Oregon OSHA this week removed the facial covering and physical distancing requirements of its COVID-19 rule for all workplaces, with certain exceptions, including healthcare, public transit and airports. KTVZ