Criminal Sanctions for Workplace Accidents
July 5, 2008 16:34

This is an old story, but interesting nonetheless as we consider the issues of workplace safety and employer negligence. Companies that violate workplace safety rules can face OSHA fines (though these often aren't harsh enough), but what about criminal penalties.... (Read Article)

West Virginia Supreme Court Weighs Workers' Comp Cases
June 30, 2008 13:04

The Supreme Court in West Virginia is considering two cases that could have longstanding impact on how workers' compensation claims in the state are handled going forward.In two cases before the Justices, insurance commissioner Jane Cline supports employers... (Read Article)

University of California turns to software to decrease workers' compensation claims
June 26, 2008 09:11

Yahoo reports that The University of California system has hired Remedy Interactive Inc. to help reduce the number of workplace injuries, workers' compensation claims and lost worker days among its 170,000 employees.

Remedy Interactive provides tracking and data collection software designed to decrease employee injuries and, thus, workers' compensation claims. The software already is in place at two system campuses -- U.C. San Diego and U.C. Irvine.

"University of California is committed to making wellness a priority and protecting its most important asset -- its employees," said Joe S. Adams II, the system's Director of Environment, Health & Safety.

Tags: Workplace safety, injury prevention, California, workers' compensation, workers' compensation benefits

Lower Workers' Comp Rates Creates Favorable Business Climate in Arkansas
June 25, 2008 13:03

Workers' compensation rates in Arkansas are on the decline, and the state insurance commissioner is crediting a reform package passed in 1993 as well as an increased emphasis on workplace safety.

This year alone, workers' comp costs are down 12.8 percent. Since 1995, rates have dropped by 52 percent. This has proven to have an upside both for employers, who are saving money, and for Arkansas in its efforts to recruit businesses to the state.

"Because of these investments in a stable workers' compensation system, which is recognized as a prime economic development tool, rates are down and employers are finding Arkansas a great place for business," Insurance Commissioner Julie Bowman said.

Tags: workers' compensation Arkansas, workers' compensation reform, workplace safety, injured workers

Workers' Comp System in New Jersey Needs Overhaul, Newspaper Says
June 24, 2008 12:41

After a newspaper investigation into the workings of the New Jersey workers' compensation, the Star-Ledger is calling for reform of a system it calls "Dickensian" and in desperate need of an overhaul. That harsh criticism comes after the newspaper completed... (Read Article)

Companies Often Not Held Accountable in Las Vegas Construction Worker Deaths
June 17, 2008 10:16

Part 2 of the Las Vegas Sun series on construction worker deaths along the Las Vegas Strip shows that the state's Occupational Health and Safety Adminstration often goes easy on employers who violate safety regulations and fail to maintain safe working conditions.... (Read Article)