We live in the age of technology. Robotics and automation are all the rage, and industries everywhere, including workers’ compensation, are looking to increase efficiencies and “improve process.” Best practices, definable metrics and big data are all the rage. Some people are even boldly predicting that AI, Artificial Intelligence, will soon assume the full responsibilities…
Preferring Ignorance to Idiots
It is no secret that people outside the workers’ compensation industry often confuse this website as the online home for the all-powerful nebulous agency that controls absolutely everything in regard to workers’ compensation. And it stands to reason since it is the online home of the all-powerful nebulous agency that controls absolutely everything in regard…
And This Organization Called and Said I Was Going to School
Many of us this morning involved in the Kids’ Chance organization are coming off an extraordinary weekend of education, fun and fellowship. The annual Kids’ Chance Conference just concluded was held May 2 – 4, right here in my home city of Sarasota, FL. Kids’ Chance of Florida, Inc., was extremely proud to host this group. Kids’…
Know an Up and Coming Leader Under 40? Nominate Them for NextGen Today
It is no secret that the workers’ compensation workforce is aging. As many knowledgeable long-term comp professionals retire, the industry is experiencing a “brain drain” that threatens its ability to meet the needs of the people it serves. It is critical that we attract young, dedicated talent and start developing the workers’ compensation industry leaders…
In Kentucky, Should Policyholders Select the KEMI Board?
A state audit of Kentucky Employers Mutual Insurance (KEMI), released two weeks ago exposed more than just questionable financial expenditures of the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurance company. It also exposed a potential vulnerability of some “state fund” structures; a non-profit mutual insurance company that is not controlled by the policyholders who allegedly own it. And it…
Weird New Job Positions in the Face of AI
This is really an alteration of the “News of the Weird” reports that occasionally run in this spot. With all of the fear that robots and artificial intelligence will soon be taking all of our jobs, this is a discussion of just a few of the new types of work opportunities that technology or innovative…
In Healthcare, Technology Matters, but People Make the Difference
The buzz in healthcare these days is all about technology. Telehealth, artificial intelligence, micro-devices, 3D printing, innovative implants and more all dominate the conversation around healthcare. But no matter how shiny, glitzy or exciting the technology is, the core strength of healthcare today lies in the people who do the many often thankless jobs that…
Freed from the Bondage of My HOA Board
It was a glorious day. After nine years on the board of directors of my homeowner’s association, five of them as president, I was free. My long neighborhood nightmare was over. I was tempted to call this post, “Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God Almighty I am Free at Last;” but comparing a…
Diving Right In – A Non-Rescue Rescue Could Test the Boundaries of Compensability
We have to give her an A for effort. This past week a 19-year-old waitress was working on the rooftop bar of a restaurant located on a Daytona Beach, FL pier when she saw a young boy struggling in the water far below. Her response was to do what any red-blooded American girl would do. Scratch that –…
An Update: Flatulent Bully Passes Muster in Court
Several weeks ago we reported on a case where a man was suing his former employer for harassment because he repeatedly passed gas down under. We would should remind you this case was in Australia, and the workplace was “down under,” not the gas passing. Well, now that we think about it – oh, never mind. At…