Unlike many things I discuss, this story will be a riveting tale. I promise. Either that or it is a tale about riveting. I am not sure which. Elinor Otto works at the Boeing plant in Long Beach, CA, where she spends her day installing rivets into C-17 Cargo planes. A long time worker at…
Creating the Perfect Storm For Awesome Disability Denial
This discussion is not about setting up all the needed parameters to deny disability for others. It is about helping people deny their own disability; about assisting an individual who has suffered a terrible accident in assembling the necessary ingredients in order to “deny the disability” their own impairment would’ve otherwise provided. The keynote speaker…
IAIABC – Return To Work is a Program; Return To Function is a Philosophy
I wish I had thought of the two concepts reflected in the title of this article. Alas, I did not. I did, however, once again take two dynamite ideas, combine them into one cohesive concept, thereby saving the universe while still managing to create an enticing, killer headline in the process. I swear, sometimes it’s…
It's a Small, Small World After All
It really is at times a very small world. I am attending two conferences this week, the IAIABC 99th Annual Conference in San Diego, and the California Workers’ Comp and Risk Conference in Dana Point. Fortunately they are only an hour or so from each other in Southern California, so I could reach both of…
Adding Another To My Impairment Hall of Fame
While this story does not involve an impairment such as we often are familiar with in workers’ comp, it does involve a severe, debilitating illness and an attitude worthy of discussion. Friday night my wife and I were enjoying dinner and drinks with friends in a local restaurant. Near the end of our meal, we…
After Westphal, Is There Any Doubt We Are Confused?
Last week the Florida First District Court of Appeal reversed an earlier significant decision; and in so doing highlighted the inherent conflicts of running a medical benefits system within the confines of a legal, statutorily driven entity. Many will recall that last February the court struck down as unconstitutional a key component of Florida’s workers'…
Finding My Pulitzer on the Road to Bah Hahbah
I can’t write about workers’ comp this week. I’m on vacation, and therefore must avoid work at all costs. My wife has indicated that being caught working on vacation could be injurious to my health, and since as noted I am on said vacation, I would not have any indemnity or medical protection. My wife…
Punching the Chief Happiness Officer Over Syllables Without Substance
As a visionary change management serial entrepreneur specializing in motivational leadership and paradigm shifting catalytic thought provocation, I wanted to reach out and dialogue on a topic to expand your inter dimensional understanding of its essence, and ensure you embrace that comprehension at the next, albeit less competent, level. In other words, “I want to…
Moderating the Future of Workers' Comp at NWCDN Hartford
The morning of October 17th will start with opening remarks from John A. Mastropietro, State of Connecticut Workers' Compensation Chairman. It will be followed by Keynote Speaker David North, CEO, Sedgwick Claims Management Services, who will be speaking on “Workers’ Compensation Industry Trends: Where Might We Be In 2023?“ I get to follow Mr. North,…
Fast Food Strippers Will Solve Our Labor Strife
My God, I am freaking brilliant. In the blink of an eye, I took two major labor stories that have been in the news of late, combined them, and simultaneously solved two controversial labor issues. This is yet another idea for which I'll probably be awarded a Nobel Prize. Or a Pulitzer. Maybe a Booby…