Ohio’s government agencies to get 10 percent cut in workers’ compensation rates
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation said it will cut rates 10 percent effective January 1 for cities, townships, public school districts and other public employers, saving them $17 million in premiums in 2022. It will be the 13th rate cut for public employers since 2009. Private employers covered by the state fund for injured workers have had similar cuts, including a 7.1% cut for the fiscal year that began July 1. Columbus Dispatch
New York City contractors charged with $1M insurance fraud
A Manhattan grand jury has indicted a pair of longtime city contractors for evading more than $1 million in insurance premiums by underinsuring employees. They are accused of having their construction staff carry out dangerous demolitions and road and sidewalk repair and misclassifying employees’ roles in order to reduce their insurance costs for high-risk work. New York Daily News
Following Tampa Bay Times investigation, health officials urge lower lead limits
A national public health organization is pushing for sweeping changes to the federal rules designed to keep employees safe after a Tampa Bay Times investigation into a Florida lead smelter. Tampa Bay Times [may require registration]
West Virginia appellate court rules against county school board in workers’ comp case
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals rejected a claim filed by the Greenbrier County Board of Education that, if upheld, would have denied a former custodian workers’ compensation. West Virginia Daily News