When I first joined the workers’ compensation industry more than two decades ago, the concept of “return to work” was already in the process of waning. It might be better described as a full-on retreat. Retraining programs and vocational services were being cut. Second Injury Funds were rapidly becoming nothing but a memory. The shift…
Getting Lectured by Technology
No one really likes change, and that is particularly true of the workers’ compensation industry and its challenged relationship with technology adoption. The pandemic did much to remove barriers and accelerate technological change in the industry, but much opportunity remains. Systems are available that will tell claims professionals what must be done, and when. Processes…
What is the True Cost of a $7 Lab Bill?
In January of this year, I had lab work performed as part of a follow-up to a physical exam. It was nothing out of the ordinary and represented a series of blood tests ordered by my doctor. I had the tests, attended my doctor’s follow-up appointment and that was that. I did not think much…
Another Manure Pit Death Reminds Us That Farming Jobs Can Stink
We’ve written it before. A manure pit death is a crappy way to die. In fact, we have discussed such an event two times prior in this blog. Searching our news system, you will find the word “manure” appears in 4 Cluttered Desk articles over the years. I know, I thought it would be more…
Workplace Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak Isn't Funny. Or Is It?
It has been a while since a story hit the Cluttered Desk that so aligns with the reputation and mission of this blog. After all, we cut our teeth here talking about the things others just didn’t have the temerity to address. Either that or those others are just a lot smarter than I am.…
When a Denial of Happy Meal Turns Into Crappy Deal
No one ever said dealing with John Q. Public was easy. And there are no guarantees that John Public will get what they want, nor be happy with the results. But when Mr. Public (or Ms., even though this specific incident involves a Mr.) threatens to kill everyone in the room, it may be a…
VIDEO: Hawaii Kids' Chance, Honolulu PD, and the Meaning of "Family" in Workers' Comp
This is a story of commitment. Of caring. Of respect. It is a story that embraces and celebrates a future, while remembering and honoring the past. And most importantly, it is a lesson that compassion, love, and support in the form of “family,” real or surrogate, can make all the difference for those who wind…
Gambling That the Wheels of Justice Turn Slowly Is a Pretty Safe Bet
Blogger and Larson’s co-author Thomas Robinson wrote yesterday in his blog workcompwriter.com about a case where a New York Appellate Court upheld a decision to stop indemnity benefits to an injured worker because he had failed to report gambling income while receiving workers’ compensation payments. Robinson, in his usual form, does an excellent job of outlining the…
It's Scholarship Season. Time to Help Kids in Your Care.
It is that time of year when newly minted high school grads looking to the fall with grand ideas and great hope are preparing to embark on the adventure of higher education. A future awaits these kids; a future that offers potential stability and success for the lives that await them. Now, if they could…
A New Frontier for Bullying in the Workplace: Engaging the Unvaccinated
There is a lot of conversation surrounding how and when to return people to the workplace as the numbers related to COVID continue to decline across the nation. Employers have been left to look for answers to many open questions. Masks or no masks? Do we require vaccinations? Do we treat the vaccinated to a…