The annual conference put on by the National Workers’ Compensation Defense Network (NWCDN) is scheduled for November 10, 2021. It is a virtual event, running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Central. As with prior NWCDN events, both in-person and virtual, it is free of charge. And as I’ve written previously, it is an excellent…
The Elephant in the Room: Does Domestic Abuse Affect Workers' Comp?
Editor’s Note: A Hot Seat Webinar on this topic, Spotting The Abusive Elephant in the Room: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Workers’ Comp Cases, will be on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 1 PM eastern. Registration is free and may be accessed here. The tragic case of Gabby Petito that gripped the nation last month brought…
Workers' Comp and the Supply Chain Crisis
There has been a tremendous focus in recent weeks on the fragilities of our nation’s supply chain. Some everyday products are in frighteningly short supply, hundreds of container ships are waiting weeks to be unloaded, and ominous warnings are being issued that Christmas may not be coming this year. It should be noted that those…
On Missing Las Vegas For My Covid Knee
Employers and workers’ comp professionals from all across the nation are heading to Las Vegas today, to attend the 2021 National Workers’ Compensation and Disability Conference. The conference, live once again after last year’s Covid dominated virtual event, is one of the major national workers’ compensation experiences that bring people together to conduct business, connect…
Legislation May Bring Federal Monitoring of State Workers' Comp Systems
Doug Holmes of Strategic Services on Unemployment & Workers’ Compensation (UWC) advised his group’s membership last week of a legislative effort that would facilitate the monitoring of state workers’ compensation systems by the federal government. Holmes reported that legislation developed by the House Education and Labor Committee included language providing statutory authority for the Office…
Finally, a Smokin' Cannabis in the Workplace Study
An article featured two days ago on this site reported results of a survey conducted by the National Safety Council, conducted “as part of an ongoing effort to assess the risks of cannabis in the workplace.” According to the report, the results, unlike the thought processes of employees smoking pot, are clear. The NSC concluded that “employers must…
Kids' Chance of Texas is Looking For a Few Good Golfers
Kids’ Chance of Texas is Looking For a Few Good Golfers. Or mediocre golfers. Heck, any golfers who want to have fun and enjoy supporting an outstanding cause will do. The Kids’ Chance of Texas Golf Tournament is scheduled to tee off October 28, 2021, at the Cowboys Golf Club in Dallas. They have had…
Sorry, Joe. We're Better Than This
Blogger and Health Consultant Joe Paduda issued a scathing and profanity-laced post two days ago directed at the people in this nation who have not been vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. If you are reading this and have chosen not to be vaccinated, you are, according to Paduda, an idiot or an asshole, depending on…
HB 702 Puts Montana on the Front Lines of Covid Controversy
Montana passed a law last spring that prohibits discrimination in any form against people based on their vaccination status. HB 702, signed by Governor Greg Gianforte on May 7, 2021, places unvaccinated persons in a legally protected class under the Montana Human Rights Act. It is the only law of its type in the nation.…
WCI Announces Puppy & Kitten Cuddle Zone – My Conference Plans Are Set
The Workers’ Compensation Institute announced this week that they will offer a “stress reduction” Puppy & Kitten Cuddle Zone at their annual Workers’ Compensation Education Conference in Orlando this December. It will be offered through the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando and is another element of WCI’s community support initiatives. I don’t know about you, but my…