Quote of the day
“CPR and first aid is very important in the state because of the rural nature of Montana. I think it brings a great level of confidence knowing if there’s an accident they can take care of each other.”
Sean Lawler, safety director, Montana Building Industry Association, which has just received a $540,000 check from Montana State Fund for the association’s efforts to improve workplace safety
Montana State Fund returns $540K to building association
Montana State Fund last week presented the Montana Building Industry Association with a check of nearly $540,000 for its efforts to improve workplace safety. The funds from the check will be distributed among MBIA group members that use Montana State Fund as their workers’ compensation insurer. The state is near the highest in the nation in workplace accidents and fatalities per capita. KXLH (Helena)
Illinois: First payments made to workers owed back step raises
Some of the back wages owed to unionized state of Illinois employees have started to be paid: the state comptroller’s office said about $4.7 million has been processed out of the at least $300 million owed. The Illinois Workers Compensation Commission was one of the agencies receiving the funds. Peoria Journal Star
Houston firefighter with cancer could set precedent with workers’ comp win
A Houston fireman who has neuroendocrine cancer has won his appeal for workers’ compensation, more than a year after the city denied his claim. Houston Chronicle [may require registration]
Former dealership employee alleges she was fired for suggesting workers’ comp claim
A former employee of a Highland, Illinois car dealership alleges she was terminated from her job after suggesting the possibility of filing a workers’ compensation claim related to her carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis. The lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in compensatory damages and more than nine times that in punitive damages. Madison – St. Clair Record
Oklahoma: Workers’ comp seminar held
Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission officials met with business leaders in Lawton last week to discuss the latest changes in the law. KSWO (Lawton, Okla.) [with video]