First there was outsourcing and offshoring. Now there is something I am calling Autosourcing. Companies and production are returning to the US, but the jobs are not returning with them. Those jobs are being taken by technology. Improved computers, software systems, cloud computing and robotics have made unprecedented strides in recent years. Experts now largely…
Where Lives and Labor are Cheap, the Cost to Humanity is High
Saturday 7 garment workers in Bangladesh were killed when a fire raced through the facility where they worked. Officials are investigating accusations that the only emergency exit was locked. Just two months ago, 112 Bangladesh garment workers were killed in another factory blaze. The doors there were locked as well. Since 2005, more than 600…
Injuring Your Trainer in the Year of Prevention, Health and Wellness
We announced this year that we were adding Lynne Strasser, a fitness focused blogger, to the Workers' Comp Blogwire as part of declaring 2013 the “Year of Prevention, Health and Wellness”. We are committed to providing useful information this year for individuals and their employers that will make for a healthier, fit and less injury…
When An Employer is Forced to Backtrack on Flatulence
This was in the news a couple weeks ago, but I just have not had time to get to it. I probably should just let it go, but ultimately, in the end I couldn't let this pass. I tried to hold it in, but I can't. I am just going to have to let one…
Cat Loving Genius Outsources His Own Job
I have to tip my hat to genius when I read about it, even if that genius is not of the highest moral fiber. This is one such case. A software company recently discovered that a home based programmer they employed at a six figure salary had hired someone in China to do his job…
Southwest Drink Coupon Class Action Sure Leaves a Big Bar Bill
I cannot believe my good fortune. The potential windfall coming my way could change my life, and I apparently owe this unexpected mana from heaven to the selfless commitment of a dedicated legal team whom I have never met, yet without my knowledge has worked diligently on my behalf. The fact that this is part…
Watching a Roofer Fall in Sarasota
I work out 3 times a week with a trainer in a private gym near my office. I am not a pretentious person, but even though I have a membership at LA Fitness, I prefer the private gym as it affords me the ability to hurl invectives, insults and obscenities at my trainer without offending…
Workers' Comp Industry Social Media Survey Project
Today we are launching the first of two surveys exploring the access and use of social media within the workers' compensation industry. We ask all workers' compensation professionals to take just a few minutes to complete this brief questionnaire. This initial survey is short, and will be followed up in coming weeks with a more…
Teacher Who Fears Children Sues Employer For Discrimination
An Ohio teacher who has a phobia of children is suing the school district that employed her for discrimination by not accommodating her disability. I could just stop here. There is really nothing more outlandish that I could conjure up. However, I just can’t help myself….. The teacher has taught Spanish and French in a…
Bob's Top Ten Conference Call Do's and Don'ts
I don't mean to mislead you. This article is far more about conference call “Don'ts” than it is “Do's”. In fact, when we boil it down, there is only one “Do”. But what is the fun in that? We all know the really good stuff resides in the “Don'ts”. So here goes. I was speaking…