Quote of the day
“They’re acting as if the burden of proof is on the firefighter to prove that they got cancer on the job, when the burden is actually shifted to the employer.”
Arizona state Sen. Paul Boyer
Arizona cities dispute claim they’re not following law on firefighters’ workers comp
The executive director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns discusses a state legislator’s concerns that firefighters’ workers’ compensation claims are being denied, despite a state law that presumes certain forms of cancer are a result of their workplace conditions. KJZZ (Phoenix) [with audio]
Liability problem could delay supply of emergency respirator
The World Health Organization is struggling to control 19 pandemic, epidemic diseases, including Ebola, SARS and smallpox. Presently, however, respiratory protection recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for healthcare workers safe is not included in the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, writes Dan Glucksman of the International Safety Equipment Association. Legislation will be introduced during the 116th Congress to extend the act’s protection for NIOSH-approved respirators to protect healthcare workers during federally declared health emergencies. The Hill (Washington, D.C.)
Fewer employees are prescribed pain medications under workers’ comp: Study
According to a study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute of 575,000 nonsurgical claims in 27 states that resulted in more than seven days of lost time and at least one prescription paid under workers’ comp, fewer injured workers are receiving opioids as compared to previous years. HR Dive
Pipefitter alleges retaliation after workers’ comp claim
A West Virginia pipefitter has filed suit against his prior employer and supervisor alleging that after he was ordered to perform tasks outside of his medical restriction and then improperly terminated following a job-related injury. West Virginia Record
West Virginia: Construction contractor charged with non-coverage
The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner is suing a construction contractor for allegedly failing to obtain or maintain workers’ compensation insurance. West Virginia Record