From Bob's Cluttered Desk

Last Wednesday, Florida Representative Cord Byrd released proposed legislation that, if passed, would include a provision making workers’ compensation coverage optional for businesses in the state. Already being misidentified by Florida media as an “Opt Out” proposal (please see “For the Last Flippin’ Time, Texas is NOT an Opt Out State” for a more detailed…

I must admit, as a proud father I might be biased, but she looked beautiful up on that stage. Her delivery was pitch perfect, and she sounded wonderful to the very large audience assembled. I am not talking about a child, however. I am talking about a concept; a concept that I have been promoting…

Honestly, I’ve never enjoyed a funeral so thoroughly. Mel and Cherry were friends of my father in law. Members of the same country club and community, they golfed together often over the years. My wife and I came to know them through Dad’s annual Christmas party, where we were all regular attendees. Mel was a…

I’ll be the first to admit, I generally hate shopping, although I have been feverishly working to convince my wife I am a superior shopper. While some people can linger in stores for hours – often without buying anything, I can generally enter a store, make my targeted acquisition, and be out again in mere…

Sometimes stories in the news are simply that; stories. You read them, you ponder the significance for those strangers who are affected by the news, and then you move on. Other times, you find yourself directly affected by the news of the day, and it leaves you with a slightly greater awareness as to the…

Tomorrow millions of people will sit down with family and friends, and gorge themselves on turkey, stuffing, potatoes, more stuffing, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, bread, again with the stuffing, and pumpkin pie (which, if served correctly will have so much whipped cream on it as to render it completely unrecognizable). It will be an…

For the last couple years, I have done a fair amount of speaking around the country discussing looming technological and demographic changes that will dramatically alter the workers’ compensation industry. In relation to the impact that automation and robotics eventually will have on the workforce, one of the examples I have discussed was the testing…

Having just successfully passed my 56th birthday, I recognize that I am gradually, and quite comfortably, transitioning to the role of easily annoyed old fart. Things that used to irritate me internally are now much more easy to celebrate in public view, as my ability to share that irritation with those around me has improved…

I know, it sounds like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised. Kids’ Chance Awareness Week, which starts this morning and runs through November 18th, is all about awareness. Your awareness; to a cause that is helping kids in need across this country. In case you are not yet aware, Kids’ Chance is an organization…

We are constantly reminded that workplace accidents can happen anywhere, and people can be injured doing obscure jobs we never even think about. I was reminded of that this morning when a story out of New Zealand crossed my Cluttered Desk. According to Radio New Zealand, WorkSafe, New Zealand’s workplace health and safety regulator, has…