La-Z-Boy Faces Possible Class Action Lawsuit for Wrongfully Firing Injured Workers
June 1, 2008 10:36

Former employees of La-Z-Boy, the Minneapolis-based furniture manufacturer, have filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the company, alleging that they were fired shortly after being injured on the job. One plaintiff, Tom Ammons, who had worked for La-Z-Boy... (Read Article)

Pfizer plant recognized for workplace safety
June 5, 2008 08:58

Pfizer Inc's plant in Kalamazoo County, Mich., has won a state award for workplace safety.

The 3,600-employee pharmaceutical plant received the Michigan Voluntary Protection Programs Star Award, the state's highest workplace safety and health honor. The Star Awards are presented by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a division of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.

With so much news about workplace injuries and workers' compensation fraud, it's good to hear about a company that's doing right be its employees.

Family Blames Workers' Comp Fight for Death
June 5, 2008 09:01

This article is out of Canada but it's still relevant to injured workers in this country.Could a protracted battle for workers' compensation benefits be to blame for someone's death? The family of Jeff Thompson, a cable installer who fell and injured knee in... (Read Article)

South Dakota Worker Loses Battle for Benefits
June 8, 2008 09:01

A South Dakota worker who suffered chronic pain as the result of a work-related injury has lost his appeal for workers' compensation benefits.

This story is not unique, unfortunately. But it illustrates the challenges that workers must go through to prove that their injuries and subsequent pain are work related. This plaintiff has been battling for benefits for five years, only to be denied them by the state Supreme Court.

A state worker who said chronic pain and loss of balance was linked to a 2003 work-related back injury lost his appeal this week to the state Supreme Court.

The court unanimously concluded that an administrative law judge who heard James Gerlach's case was within reasonable bounds in giving more weight to the state's medical expert than to other doctors who had been consulted by the worker.

Gerlach hurt his back moving chairs in 2003. The court record says it was undisputed that the injury was work related. The worker later said he aggravated the injury in 2004 while driving a tractor for the state. He said the bouncing and bumping caused chronic pain in his lower back and legs and affected his coordination and balance.

Tags: workers' compensation benefits, injured worker, workplace injury, denied workers' compensation, workers' compensation attorney

Work Made Workers at Pig Processing Plant Sick
June 9, 2008 08:36

A worker at a pig processing plant in Minnesota has filed suit against her employer, claiming that the job caused her and a dozen coworkers to develop a neurological disorder. The suit was filed by Susan Kruse against Quality Pork Processors plant in Austin,... (Read Article)

Companies Can Find Ways to Let Injured Workers Return to Work
June 13, 2008 13:01

Many injured workers would like to return their work, but few employers have return-to-work programs that allow them to return to work in a different capacity.

CompEraser has some advice for companies that want to implement return-to-work programs. The first step is to conduct a review of the entire operation to identify temporary light-duty jobs in every department.

By carefully evaluating those areas of your operation that have historically generated the most worker injury claims you not only are better understanding how to prevent future losses but also identifying many temporary duty tasks. You should carefully analyze your losses over a given timeframe from the standpoint.

TAGS: workers' compensation, temporary duty jobs, light-duty jobs, return-to-work programs

Congress Considering Workplace Safety Bill
June 15, 2008 08:59

New legislation is in the pipeline to protect workers from combustible dust, which can lead to workplace injury or workplace deaths.The House of Representatives voted 247-165 to approve the Worker Protection Against Combustible Dust Explosion and Fires Act... (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)

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)

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

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

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)