Quote of the day
"In fact, the parties stipulated that Nimisha was on call 24-hours per-day, and while living on the premises, she was to carry out her responsibilities as an assistant manager of the hotel by being available for work duties at all times. Thus, Nimisha indirectly advanced her employer's interests, even while remaining on the premises during the fire."
Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Jim Gunter, in the court's opinion awarding death benefits to the family of a hotel worker killed in a fire while off-duty.
Go to the full story in the Morning News (Springdale, Ark.)
Stolen Computers Leave West Virginia School Workers at Risk of I.D. Theft
Computers stolen in February from a Charleston, W.V., risk management firm that handles workers’ compensation claims for the Harrison County school board, contain information on employees who filed workers’ compensation claims dating back to early 2001. State Journal (Charleston)
Go to the Full Story…
Court Awards Death Benefits to Family of Off-Duty Hotel Manager
Affirming a ruling of the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission and reversing the state Court of Appeals, the Arkansas Supreme Court rules that the family of an assistant hotel manager who died in a fire at the Hope, Ark., hotel where she lived and worked is entitled to death benefits even though she was off-duty at the time of the fire. By John Lyon, Morning News (Springdale, Ark.)
Go to the Full Story…
Chamber President Lauds Palmetto State’s New Reform
South Carolina’s workers’ compensation reform bill will save businesses more than $24 million, which now can be applied toward such goals as improving productivity, hiring more workers, or offering more comprehensive employee benefits. Additionally, it will better position the state to compete globally. By S. Hunter Howard Jr., Charleston Post and Courier
Go to the Full Story…
An Ounce of Prevention …
Every employer has the opportunity to create a culture of safety, and with workers’ compensation premiums skyrocketing, more businesses take a hard look at renewing their commitment to workplace safety. Accident prevention is key to controlling exposure, minimizing losses and reducing insurance costs. Greenville (S.C.) News
Go to the Full Story…
Alcohol, Drug Use Hammers Australia’s Productivity
Three million working days a year are lost through alcohol and drugs and cost employers more than USD $420 million, the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia says. News.com.au
Go to the Full Story…
Northern Ireland Cops Win Right to Seek Comp for PTSD
Thousands of serving and former Northern Ireland police officers win the right to make compensation claims for post-traumatic stress suffered as a result of decades of violence. “People used alcohol as a form of self-medication,” remarks the judge who ruled that there had been “systematic failures” in the way officers had been treated. Evening Echo (Cork, Ireland)
Go to the Full Story…