Quote of the day
“Amending any type of significant policy issues at the last minute into a budget bill runs the risk of language errors and other inaccuracies that would require more corrective legislation later. So, it is best to make sure to get the bill done right the first time.”
Ohio Senate Majority Caucus Press Secretary John Fortney, regarding PTSD workers comp coverage for first responders
Cleveland-area fireman on mission to get PTSD coverage added to workers’ comp
In July, the Ohio Senate stripped a proposal to cover first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation budget; only first responders who have an accompanying physical injury are eligible under current law. A Brook Park, Ohio fireman who was diagnosed PTSD with after responding to a motorcycle crash is one of the firefighters pushing legislators to support adding coverage. Fox8 Cleveland [with video]
Ohio business owner pleads guilty to manslaughter, workers’ comp fraud
An Akron, Ohio business owner has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and workers’ compensation fraud in connection with a 2017 incident in which an employee, who was on his second day on the job, fell to his death in November 2014. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation determined the business did not have workers’ compensation coverage when the employee died. Crain’s Cleveland Business
Illinois market worker alleges retaliatory firing for workers’ comp claim
A former employee of a Granite City, Illinois corner market is suing the market and its manager after she was allegedly fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim. She claims she injured on the job in July 2018 and was fired two months later as retaliation for filing for workers compensation. Madison – St. Clair Record
How to spot signs of heat-related illnesses
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that around 618 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. Here are some signs, symptoms, and treatments for heat-related illnesses during the hottest part of the year. FoxBaltimore.com
Fed-OSHA expands definition of ‘employer’ for multiple employer plans
Fed-OSHA has published a highly anticipated final rule that allows working owners with no employees and companies in unrelated industries to band together to create a single defined contribution retirement plan for their employees, known as a multiple employer plan. The rule provides five criteria that an employer group or association must satisfy in order to offer a MEP to its employer members. National Law Review