Perhaps it was just plain ignorance. It might have simply been complacency. We have, after all, survived the end of the world a number of times. But this one caught us by surprise. Who knew that there would be so much to do during the COVID-19 end of days? It turns out that ending…
The Sun is Still Rising
I don’t know about you, but I am sick of COVID-19, commonly called the Coronavirus. I know that is different than being sick FROM the Coronavirus, but I am weary from the onslaught of information and panic related to the disease. A lot of us will never get this particular virus; but we will make…
Why Can't Our Workers' Comp Patients Be Normal?
The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Education Association’s Annual Medical Seminar just concluded yesterday in Greenville, SC. It was held on March 8th and 9th, with the theme being “Road to Recovery.” They had several doctors speak on Sunday, with two of them focused primarily on improving care through better communication and understanding with injured workers.…
Coronavirus and the Workers' Comp Conference Circuit
I’m going out on a limb here and assuming you just haven’t heard enough about the COVID-19 virus, more commonly referred to as Coronavirus. There are only 30 articles on this site alone that mention it. While there has been legitimate concern about the spread of the virus, the opinion here at the Cluttered Desk…
Pennsylvania Debates a Different Kind of First Responder Bill
In an era where states are scrambling to expand coverage to First Responders, it is interesting to see that one state, Pennsylvania, is engaged in a slightly different debate. While many jurisdictions are adding PTSD coverage and automatic presumptions regarding a wide range of cancer and cardiovascular conditions for their ranks of professional First Responders,…
Hot Seat Webinar Takes on Innovation in Return to Work
This Friday we will be conducting the 12th Hot Seat Webinar, looking at innovative new Return to Work programs, and focusing primarily on Washington L&I’s new Vocational Recovery Project. The episode is titled, Building a Better Workers’ Comp Outcome Through Vocational Recovery. Guests will be Vickie Kennedy, Washington L&I Assistant Director for Insurance Services, Ryan Guppy,…
For First Responders and Workers' Comp, What is Normal?
A court decision in Arizona this week does more than potentially set a new precedent for First Responder benefits in that state; it also forces us to look at the expectations of the job, and what may be considered “normal” within the course and scope of employment. In 2017, a Gila County sheriff’s deputy was conducting a…
Tackling a Man with Meat in His Pants
Many retailers have strict policies when it comes to physical altercations with suspected shoplifters. These policies do not allow employees to physically restrain or otherwise prevent a suspected shoplifter from fleeing the premises. While this can be frustrating to people who would prefer to stop a theft in the process, these policies potentially prevent needless…
Surviving the Legislative Sieve
NCCI recently reported that they are monitoring more than 500 workers’ compensation bills being considered in state legislative bodies around the nation this year. On the surface, it would appear that it may be a year of tremendous change for the workers’ compensation industry. But will it? After all, those bills all have to survive the process…
Does Legalized Pot Reduce Workers' Comp Claims?
A study conducted by researchers at Temple University has produced some surprising statistics. It seems to suggest that “medical marijuana may lead to fewer workers’ compensation claims.” They found that: In states with laws allowing medical marijuana…. there was a nearly 7% decline in workers’ comp claims. When there were claims, they were for shorter…