Quote of the day
"It's been a battle every step of the way."
John Knox, an injured former over-the-road trucker who has experienced five back surgeries, a hernia, a suicide attempt and drug addiction, in 15 years of trying to collect workers' comp in Wyoming
Wyoming Advocates Want System to Cowboy Up for Workers
Last year, Wyoming’s workers’ compensation program paid out about $121 million in benefits to injured workers and, as of November, the program still had a growing reserve of $937 million. Several trade associations have asked state legislators to allow employers to earn a credit on their premiums, but attorneys oppose it on grounds that the workers’ comp program is failing injured workers and the families of those killed on the job. By Dustin Bleizeffer, Casper Star-Tribune
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Singapore Amends, Expands Its Workers’ Comp Act
In Singapore, injured workers can expect faster, and up to 26 percent more, compensation from their employers starting in April. Amendments to its workers’ comp act will cover 850,000 more employees, with only two groups, uniformed personnel and domestic workers, excluded. Channel News Asia
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Experts Link Shift-Work to Women’s Ailments
Scientists say shift-working women are more likely to retire early due to poor health than their male counterparts. According to an article published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, female shift- or day-workers claim disability pension more frequently than men; occupational health experts believe domestic responsibilities combined with shift work stress are the two main reasons for this phenomenon. Press TV (Iran)
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Freighter Expected to Compensate Asbestos-Exposed Workers
Past and current employees of a Canada freighter who have been made ill due to asbestos are told not to worry about workers’ compensation, as the company has acknowledged responsibility. However, employees may have to return to work on the freighter this spring with asbestos still onboard. By Natalie Musseau, Gulf News (Newfoundland and Labrador)
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Vermont Sarcoidosis Benefit Plan Criticized
A 2007 Vermont law provides benefits in lieu of workers’ compensation to sarcoidosis-stricken state employees who worked at the Bennington state office complex, but interested parties, including victims, are criticizing the proposed rule that governs the special fund. The Vermont Department of Labor’s adoption of a specific definition of sarcoidosis, according to a state senator, creates “an additional, artificial hurdle for workers to establish eligibility.” By Neal Goswami, Bennington Banner
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Aussie Officials Order Review of Comcare
The Australia federal government orders a review of its workers’ compensation scheme, Comcare, which could lead to exclusion of private sector employers. The employment minister says the review is intended to ensure that Comcare is a suitable occupational health and safety and workers’ comp system for self-insurers and their employees. The Age (Melbourne)
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