Union-Bulletin editorial: Hanford employees deserve easier access to workers’ comp
“Working with nuclear waste comes with risks — increased chances of heart problems, many types of cancer, to name a few. And these highly trained workers willingly put themselves in dangerous conditions to help our nation clean up the mess it made during World War II. In light of this, the least the government can do is make it easier for these workers to be compensated for illnesses obtained due to unavoidable exposure to toxic and volatile radioactive materials.” Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Insurance company settles federal lawsuit with Justice family company over workers’ comp
A New York-based insurance company has agreed to settle its federal lawsuit against a company consisting of West Virginia Governor Jim Justice and his adult children. The insurer claimed the family owed $166,000 for claims that it submitted for coverage under workers’ compensation and employers’ liability policies. Justice Family Group is a limited liability company in the Management of Companies and Enterprises sector, according to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office. Charleston Gazette-Mail
Ceremony at Florida capitol honors fallen firemen
Among the 18 firemen honored in an annual ceremony this week at the Florida capitol, three reportedly died from COVID-19 infections acquired in the line of duty. Families of first responders who have died from the coronavirus say they are facing obstacles collecting compensation. News4Jax (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Farming is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country
This week is National Farm Safety and Health Week, an effort to raise awareness for the dangers farmers face every day. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agriculture sector is the most dangerous in the country. There are 573 fatalities each year in the farming profession, which equals 23 deaths per 100,000 employees. WQAD (Davenport, Iowa)