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ENGLAND TV Documentary Leads to Employer Conviction


Film footage for a TV documentary about medics secured a conviction against a British company carrying out construction work after the death of a 25-year-old. Regentford Ltd, of Rookwood Road, Hackney was fined £250,000 ($386,175) after being convicted of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act et al 1974, following an eight-day trial at Croydon Crown Court. They were also ordered to pay costs of £71,603.01($95,158).  
 
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the death of employee a mason and plasterer. On February. 24, 2005, the worker was re-pointing brickwork when he fell from scaffolding at the rear of a building in High Street, South Norwood, Croydon. He suffered severe head injuries in the first story fall, was taken to King's College Hospital and died on March 1, 2005.
 
When HSE went to  investigate, the found the scaffolding the employee had been standing on at the time of his accident had been removed. During the investigation HSE discovered a BBC television crew filming the documentary Trauma, accompanied the medical staff called to the accident site. The footage showed the scaffolding to be in very poor condition with insufficient guardrails and an inadequate working platform.
 
The HSE investigation indicated health and safety on the site was not managed appropriately by Regentford Ltd. – no one was in effective control of health and safety on the site.
 
HSE Inspector Nigel Evans noted, "The footage from the documentary crew showed the scaffolding to be totally inadequate for the job in hand. We will use all evidence at our disposal to prosecute employers who fail to manage health and safety risks properly. An employee needlessly lost his life on a small construction site, and it is these smaller sites where a significant proportion of fatalities in the industry occur each year. (workersxzcompxzkit)

"The message is simple: whatever the size of company or site, you have exactly the same responsibility to make sure employees have a safe and healthy working environment – and we can and will prosecute if these duties are neglected."

 
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at:  He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
 
Podcast/Webcast: Occupational Health Strategies
Click Here:

WC Calculator: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/calculator.php


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
© 2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Litigation Management, Safety and Loss Control, WC in Other Countries (International) |


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Is Sensitivity Training Needed at Vancouver Fire Hall


A mural depicting the grim reaper wielding a scythe with a drug syringe tip prompted civil liberties advocates to urge staff at the Vancouver (Canada) fire hall, where it's mounted, to get sensitivity training — a call the firefighters say is unnecessary.  According to The Canadian Press, the controversial painting is visible only through the windows of the Downtown Eastside fire department, serving a neighborhood known for its large drug-using population and safe-injection site. 
The blade of the scythe displays the department's nickname during the time it was painted, “Skids,” and a motto below states: “It's not the end of the world. But we can see it from here.”
 
The mural has been up for more than a decade but thanks to new media attention, the fire hall is promising to take it down soon.
 
But the B.C. Civil Liberties Association says the process has taken much longer than it should have and can't just be shrugged away.
 
When association members were alerted to the mural last month, they asked for it to be taken down. The mural was promptly covered up, and remained so throughout the Winter Olympics. (workersxzcompxzkit)

Nearly seven weeks later, the association's executive director was reportedly aghast to spot it in full view once more.
 
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at:  He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
 
Podcast/Webcast: Occupational Health Strategies
Click Here:

WC Calculator: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/calculator.php


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
© 2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Canada Workers Comp, Litigation Management, WC in Other Countries (International) |


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Tips from Ted: How Important are Accurate Payment Records for Lost Time Claims


It’s both costly and painful to learn by our mistakes. As in many workers’ comp cases, a too detailed summary of the proceeding loses the whole point. In this case, we know little about the exact details, but we know a bunch of lawyers submitted a lot of bills – because the employer did not keep unambiguous records
 
In a decision  this week in the Matter of McLean v. Amsterdam Nursing Home, (2010 NY Slip Op 03017, dec’d 2/15/10,NYAD, 3d Dept.) the court decided the evidence regarding the employer’s payments to the worker for lost time years after an accident needed further development.  The case illustrates the need for accurate, unambiguous record keeping for all lost time payments, even many years after a compensation claim.
 
If a claim is reopened  at least seven years after the original accident and at least three years after the last payment of compensation, the claim is no longer the liability of the employer but become the responsibility of the Special Funds.
 
Many times,  however, payment of sick benefits for lost time and/or accrued vacation time becomes an issue. Was it intended to be an advanced payment of compensation? Or was it simply payment of employee benefits having nothing to do with a work-related accident?
 
The best evidence is a contemporaneous note, written at the time of payment, as to the exact purpose of the payment, i.e., full documentation.
 
Because the facts in the above case were somewhat unclear the need for further developments became necessary. (workersxzcompxzkit)
Clarity results in fewer hearings and appeals, resulting in savings for the employer.
 

Author: Attorney Theodore Ronca is a practicing lawyer from Aquebogue, NY. He is a frequent writer and speaker, and has represented employers in the areas of workers' compensation, Social Security disability, employee disability plans and subrogation for over 30 years. Attorney Ronca can be reached at 631-722-2100.

 
Podcast/Webcast: Occupational Health Strategies
Click Here:

WC Calculator: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/calculator.php


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
© 2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Litigation Management, Settling WC Claims |


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North Dakota Work Comp Agency Seeks Insurance Rate Hike But May Distribute Dividends


North Dakota's workers’ compensation agency is seeking a 3.3% average rate hike that would raise companies' annual insurance bills by nearly $5 million.    In a down economy, that's not what companies need.                     
 
Industry group spokespersons report employers hope the Workforce Safety and Insurance agency will use dividend rate credits to soften the increase in their costs. A round of credits is likely to accompany the new rates, which are expected to go into effect July 1.
 
Dividends are offered when the agency's investment reserves hit specific levels. They were eliminated in 2009, a consequence of the stock market drop. During the prior four years, the agency's investment surplus was used to cut employers' annual insurance bills between 40% and 62%.
 
North Dakota law mandates WSI distribute dividends if its surplus is at least 40% greater than its required financial reserves.
 
In December, the agency's surplus was close to 45% higher than its required reserves, according to its most recent operating report.
 
The majority of the proposed rate rise is linked to an increase in the state's average wages. Workers’ compensation insurance rates are presently applied to each worker's first $23,700 of annual wages; the agency's proposal would dictate the initial $24,700 of annual wages would be taxed beginning July 1. (workersxzcompxzkit)
 

The WSI advisory board is slated to meet April 15 to decide if it will recommend the rate plan to Gov. John Hoeven.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers' Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

Podcast/Webcast: Occupational Health Strategies
Click Here:

WC Calculator: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/calculator.php


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Insurance Issues, Rates, Premiums |


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Five Things to Include in Your Communication Policy When Getting Employees Back to Work


Avoid Communication Breakdowns to Get Employees Back To Work Sooner
 
Part of managing your workers' comp budget is reducing indemnity payments to your injured workers. There are a variety of reasons why some workers may not return to work as soon as they can, such as disagreements with the doctor’s recommendation, complications with treatment, and in some rare cases, employees simply trying to stay out of work.
 
Whatever the case, company administration must use very proactive communication and monitoring of injured employees to ensure treatment is progressing well and the treating doctor has projected a return-to-work date. In cases of disagreements with either State workers’ comp claims or the doctor’s prognosis, help your employees to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. A quick resolution equals a quick return to work and limits your costs. Think: modified duty.
 
Some people may think — Why do I need to bother with such a plan, when the insurance company is paying off the claim?
 
Ah-Ha! The insurance company is paying the claim, but you still cover your deductible. And, depending upon per incident costs, an employee suffering moderate injury could cost as much as $35,000.00.
 
Take the approach of a well-informed and concerned employer concerned with both safety in the workplace, but also with the injured worker’s recovery and return to work after an injury. Weekly or monthly safety and work practices meetings help reinforce company policy and procedure for safe work related conduct and maintaining a safe work environment.
 
Your communication policy as a part of your injury reporting and claims process must include:
 
1.     A first day phone call or visit to the injured employee.
2.     Communication with the doctor on prognosis, a reasonable treatment plan, and estimated date for a return to work.
3.     Documentation of every accident/injury.
4.     Investigate any claims raising “red flags” for potential fraud.
5.     Close communication with your insurance claims adjuster to make sure all claims are reviewed before processing.
 
By getting your employees back to work before the mandatory waiting period for indemnity payments, you reduce your claims costs and protect your profit margin. Suspicious claims should be thoroughly investigated and brought to the attention of your claims adjuster. (workersxzcompxzkit)
 
Injuries occurring without witnesses or off company property while the employee was on duty may be hard to investigate. However, failure to do so could easily cost the company a substantial amount of money. That is not to say all accident claims falling into these categories are false or attempts at fraud, but in the event they are, investigating helps you to protect the company by detecting them before they affect your bottom line!

Author Rebecca Shafer, J.D.  President, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has coached companies for 20 years about how to reduce their workers comp costs. Her clients have included companies in with many industries including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. She can be contacted at: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.


Podcast/Webcast: Claim Handling Strategies
Click Here:

http://www.workerscompkit.com/gallagher/podcast/  Claim_Handling_Strategies/index.php 
 


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Communication with Employees, Return to Work and Transitional Duty |


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Know The Types of Alternative Markets


What is an Alternative Market?
 
Alternative Markets refers to insuring for risk without using the conventional insurance company approach. There are several methods making up the alternative markets including pure captives, group captives, rent-a-captives, public entity pools, self-insurance plans, large deductible programs, risk retention groups and purchasing groups. The following is a brief explanation of each method.
 
Pure Captives:
A pure captive insurance company has a single parent company and insures only the risk of the parent company. The pure captive insurance company will have an insurance charter to operate as an insurance company. The parent company will invest the money to set up and start the captive insurance company. The parent company controls the decisions in regards to underwriting, investments and claim operations. The pure captive insurance company will normally have an excess insurance carrier or a re-insurer to cover the cost of claims if they exceed a predetermined limit.
 
Group Captives:
A group captive insurance company is jointly owned by a group of companies having a homogeneous interest and similar exposures to loss. It is a closely held insurance company with the insurance business being supplied and controlled by its owners. A group captive will operate the same as the pure captive and differs only in having multiple owners as opposed to a single owner.
 
Rent-A-Captive:
A rent-a-captive (also known as a sponsored captive) is a company providing captive insurance company services and facilities to others for a fee. The rent-a-captive is normally run by a fronting insurance carrier, but can be operated by a broker or a re-insurer.   The fees to obtain membership in the rent-a-captive are much lower than what would be necessary monetarily to start a pure captive. The rent-a-captive usually provides services to mid-size companies without the resources to start their own captive. The rent-a-captive differs from the pure captive or group captive in that the member is not an owner and does not have voting control of the captive. The rent-a-captive is normally divided into “cells” in which each member is legally separated from the rest of the members and separated from the liabilities of the other members and the rent-a-captive itself.
 
Public Entity Pools:
Public entity pools or government pools are a form of risk management where small or mid-size local governments within a single state—towns, small cities, counties, water districts, parks & recreation, public bus lines, etc.,—join together to form a non-profit association to share the risk of loss. The members of the pool collectively self-insure their insurance exposures through a participation agreement. The pool will have a joint underwriting operation in which the participants in the pool assume a predetermined and fixed exposure in all business written.
 
Self-insurance Plans:
A self-insurance plan describes a company setting aside a pre-determined amount of money to pay for future claims. Using available underwriting information and the laws of large numbers, the amount of money needed to pay future claims is actuarially calculated. This amount of money is placed in reserve to pay the losses as they occur. Like a captive insurance company, the self-insurance plan will normally have an excess insurance carrier or a re-insurer to cover the cost of claims if they exceed a predetermined limit.
 
Workers’ compensation coverage has relatively predictable amounts of risk and is measurable enough to make it appropriate for self-insurance. Most of the jurisdictions allow companies to self-insure for work comp. Self-insurance plans are the alternative market approach most used in the work comp field.
 
Large Deductible Programs:
In a large deductible program the insured purchases a policy of insurance from an insurance company. The insured is responsible for reimbursing the insurance company for each claim in the policy period up to a dollar limit. The insured will also have a maximum amount of exposure. To illustrate, the insured would reimburse the insurance company the total amount paid on each claim under $250,000 (the large deductible amount), but when the insured has paid a total of $1,000,000 (a stop loss limit) on all claims, the insurance company will take over and pay all further claim cost during the policy period. The allocated loss adjustment expense (the cost of handling the claim) is often included in the claim cost in the large deductible program.
 
Risk Retention Group:
A risk retention group is an insurance company owned by the policyholders. Membership in the group is limited to companies in the same type of business. The risk of loss is spread across the group members. Risk retention groups are normally used for medical malpractice, professional liability and products liability. Risk retention groups are normally not used for workers’ compensation. (workersxzcompxzkit)
 
Purchasing Group:
In Texas, the state statutes allow companies in similar industries to join together in a purchasing group to buy their workers compensation coverage. The companies in the group receive a discount from the workers' compensation carrier. If the insurance company is set up as a mutual company, the members may also receive a group dividend if the insurance company has a profitable year. The purchasing group may also join together to purchase health insurance to receive a group discount. 

Author Rebecca Shafer, J.D., President, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. She can be contacted at: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

Podcast/Webcast: Occupational Health Strategies
Click Here:

WC Calculator: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/calculator.php


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
© 2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Alternative Markets & Captives, Buying Workmans Comp, Insurance Issues, Rates, Premiums |


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How Hiring Qualified Employees Saves Money


Lower Workers' Comp Cost by Hiring Employees Who Can Do the Job
 
Hiring unqualified people to fill positions within the workforce is by far one of the biggest mistakes made in maintaining low workers' comp costs.
 
The trucking industry and bus drivers for school buses, over the road or municipal buses is a perfect example of how applying ability standards as conditions of employment help maintain work comp costs, while maintaining productivity and high safety standards.
 
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires medical exams to ensure a driver is physically capable and qualified to operate a big rig truck. Using a variation of these standards in hiring can help companies protect their workers' comp budgets by making sure they hire an employee who can do the job!
 
DOT’s approach can easily be adapted to meet the needs of all companies. Place the emphasis not only in performing background checks and drug screening, but also make sure potential employees are qualified to perform the job they are hired for. If the position calls for someone with above average hand-eye coordination, would it be wise to hire the next candidate who walked through the door without qualifying him/her for the job?
 
When a company suffers from too many employee accidents, the nature of the accident needs to be examined. Policies need to be put into place to prevent reoccurrences. Accidents do happen and with proactive policies dictating how these events are handled, management personnel has tools to help them fine tune employee training and accident avoidance policies.
 
Many companies have strict procedures requiring the immediate reporting of all accidents, whether there was injury or not, followed up by detailed documentation of the event. Where there is an injury, these policies ensure the injured employee receives prompt medical treatment, timely filing of required workers' comp paperwork and claims forms, and the employee’s recovery is monitored to ensure a prompt return to work, even if into modified duty.
 
Additionally being on top of all work related accidents and injures affords greater control of these situations and provide the means to monitor and evaluate employee qualifications and adherence to workflow procedures.
 
Cost Savings is easy to calculate. Enter the total incurred losses and your profit margin, and when you calculate, it will show the sales to pay for accidents. For example, it will take 11 Million dollars to replace $500,000 in incurred losses if your companies profit margin is 4.5%. So, it's cost effective to put a program in place to screen new hires and make sure they are physically and psychologically suited to the job.
 
The focus of administration is on fostering safety within the workflow and encouraging employees to follow procedures and help newer employees do the same. By making employee safety as important as meeting production quotas and timelines, you, the employer, show your employees you care about them. The employer’s sincere concern is then perceived by the employees as their company caring about their welfare. (workersxzcompxzkit)

By establishing
qualification testing and standards in the workforce, a company can ensure safety and work procedures are not compromised, keep the workforce safe while maintaining workers’ comp costs and workforce productivity
. There are numerous companies that help set up employment screening programs. Interview several, and ask them to come to your facility to meet them and let them see the jobs your company performs. I have several I often recommend, but I always keep my eyes open for new ideas and companies that provide excellent service and high quality screening.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers' Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.


Podcast/Webcast: Claim Handling Strategies
Click Here:

http://www.workerscompkit.com/gallagher/podcast/  Claim_Handling_Strategies/index.php 
 


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Communication with Employees, Employment Law Issues, Insurance Issues, Rates, Premiums |


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TSA Employee Allegedly Collected Work Comp Fraudulently for FECA Claim


A 40-year-old Butte man has pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal government with false workers' compensation claims. According to The Montana Standard, the individual pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Missoula to theft of federal government money by fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for July 8.
 
The worker is accused of collecting nearly $30,000 in workers' comp benefits from Homeland Security and the Department of Labor from February 2008 to February 2009 while falsely claiming to be disabled. He reported injuring his back while inspecting luggage in his job as a security officer for the Transportation Security Administration at Gallatin Field Airport.
 
Officials began investigating the individual when one of his doctors saw him walking normally in a Butte mall. (workersxzcompxzkit)

Investigators followed him on a two occasions, recording video of him driving for long periods and walking normally when he claimed he could only stand or sit for 20 minutes and had been bedridden for two years.

 
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at:  He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
 
Podcast/Webcast: Occupational Health Strategies
Click Here:

WC Calculator: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/calculator.php


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
© 2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Fraud and Abuse, Litigation Management |


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7 Simple Tips to Lower Workers’ Comp Premiums


Lowering your workers' comp premiums can help save a company a considerable amount of money. Few people know and understand how just a few workers’ comp claims can have an adverse effect on work comp premiums for years. By reducing your WC costs, you can lower your premium. Let’s look at some proven tips.
 
1.     Be honest during your audit inspections by disclosing what your workforce does in their occupations within the company. Using correct occupational classification help prevent cancellations. And, miscoding an employee could also raise your premium as premiums are based not only on total payroll, but also employee risk exposure. 

2.     Follow Federal and State safety bulletin posting regulations, and make sure you have your companies safety guidelines posted next to all other required information. Showing your employees the company truly cares about their health and welfare while on the job goes a long way toward building and maintaining a positive relationship.

3.     Keep lines of communication open with your employees. Open-ended employee communication becomes important in the event of an injury. An employee is more apt to take suggestions from the company if they already have a strong relationship, rather than just showing up at the hospital and trying to talk with them after the fact. Take steps like sending a get well card to injured employees, or make a phone call to them if they are injured.

4.     Contact your local OSHA center and ask for information and links to websites offering tips for improving your safety programs and training. The company may already have an efficient and well-rounded safety plan, but seeing what other companies are doing can provide additional options to enhance existing safety guidelines and procedures.

5.     Don't be afraid to shop around for better policy rates. If your company has a good track record and has consistently demonstrated proactive training, safety, and workflow procedures, you may be able to shave some money off your premiums. Your payroll, classifications, and operation are fixed, but by taking control of everything you help reduce your insurance costs.

6.     Consider options, such as employee assistance programs (EAP) that can help maintain a healthy workforce. These programs help keep your workers on the job, and aid in avoiding turnovers and absenteeism. Workers who are happy and not burdened with personal problems and issues are more apt to perform more productively than employees who have problems at home, or are suffering from depression, substance, or alcohol abuse. (workersxzcompxzkit)

7.     Speak with your insurance company and tell them you want to make your workforce more productive and safe, and what information can they provide to assist you. You will more than likely get enough information to set you on the right path. Remember always to take a proactive stance, and with diligence you will be able to lower and maintain your workers' comp costs.

 Author Rebecca Shafer, J.D. President, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers' Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. She can be contacted at: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.


Podcast/Webcast: Claim Handling Strategies
Click Here:

http://www.workerscompkit.com/gallagher/podcast/  Claim_Handling_Strategies/index.php 
 


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Insurance Issues, Rates, Premiums, Lowering Premiums & Experience Mod |


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Proposed September 11 Terror Attack Settlement Too Small


A proposed $657 million settlement for people who worked at New York's Ground Zero following the 9/11 terror attacks is too small according to a federal judge.
 
Some rescue workers and police officers are suing New York City, saying they suffered health problems working in the dust and debris.
 
10,000 Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein said he did not believe the agreement represented a sufficient sum of money. The judge said further negotiations were needed for a fair deal.
 
Hellerstein noted the injured workers should be able to know the approximate value of the cash award they could receive prior to deciding whether or not they should accept the settlement. He added he was worried too much of the final amount would be taken up by legal fees.
 
Under the present deal, lawyers' fees may be taken from a $1 billion fund set aside by the federal government to cover the claims.
 
The fund was set up following the attacks when New York City was unable to find private insurance to cover claims originating in the clean-up effort.
 
The deal, announced just over a week ago, requires 95% of the plaintiffs to accept it in order for the claim to move forward. Workers were allowed just 90 days to decide whether they wanted to take part. (workersxzcompxzkit)
 
The judge added this was not enough time for the plaintiffs to make a decision with so much on the line.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers' Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.


Podcast/Webcast: Claim Handling Strategies
Click Here:

http://www.workerscompkit.com/gallagher/podcast/  Claim_Handling_Strategies/index.php 
 


Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
 
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Posted in Federal Workers Compensation, Litigation Management, Settling WC Claims |


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