Quote of the day
"A lot of people don't look at it, but the number of times that [teachers] call in sick, the number of days that they're unable to effectively communicate, really does create a detriment to education."
Dr. Steven Sims, voice institute director and assistant professor of otolaryngology at University of Illinois – Chicago, regarding teachers who must take time off of work for vocal strain
Maine High Court Approves Offset of Workers’ Comp Payout
The Maine Supreme Court rules that an employer may offset a workers’ compensation obligation by the lump sum paid to an injured employee under its group life and disability plan. The group policy, labeled a “welfare plan,” contained disability features along with life coverage. By Roberto Ceniceros, Business Insurance
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Two West Virginia Businesses Busted for Fraud
Two West Virginia business owners face charges of failing to provide workers’ compensation insurance for employees, state Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline announces. Charleston Daily Mail
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Oklahoma Court: Carrier Properly Sent Notice of Cancellation
Oklahoma’s Workers’ Compensation Court and Court of Civil Appeals both rule that a workers’ comp insurance carrier acted in good faith and strictly complied with the law by mailing a notice of cancellation via certified mail to the business owner’s last known address. By Janice Francis-Smith, Journal Record
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Strike Ends as Council Agrees to Jockeys’ Demands
The Tasmanian jockeys strike is called off after the Thoroughbred Racing Council agrees to provide full medical coverage for riders until their claims for workers’ compensation are put through legislation. ABC.net (Australia)
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Another Reason for Kids to Keep It Down in Class
Teaching is a high-risk occupation for voice disorders, but teachers are less likely than other professionals like singers and actors to properly care for and protect their voices, experts say. Doctors have a name for it: teacher vocal abuse. By Johnathon E. Briggs, Chicago Tribune
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New Oversight Board Named for Ohio BWC
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland names a new slate of directors to oversee the state Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the largest state-run insurance fund for injured workers in the nation. William Lhota, president and CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority, will chair the panel. Cincinnati Post
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