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Carpal tunnel: a potent cost driver

A new study from the California Workers' Compensation Institute (CWCI) should serve as a reminder that carpal tunnel remains a potent cost driver. The CWCI looked at nearly 20,000 claims, which revealed these troubling facts:



Narcotic pain drugs tops list of insurers concerns

According to a the ninth annual survey (.pdf) by CompPharma, a consortium of pharmacy benefit managers, claims payers have gotten the message: narcotics are highly problematic for Workers' Comp claimants, employers and insurers. The report states that physician dispensing of marked-up, repackaged drugs is the second-highest Workers' Comp pharmacy cost driver concerning payers.



Pay is top issue in attracting employees

Employees' confidence in the U.S. economy and their ability to find and keep a new job is growing and more will be looking for jobs in 2013, according to a survey by Glassdoor, a job search and employer information website. Employees and unemployed job seekers reported that salary and compensation were the most important factors that would influence their decision to accept a job offer. Location and career growth opportunities also topped the list, along with anticipated workload and company reputation.



Employer's termination of non-union employees for Facebook posts violated NLRA

In another decision affecting non-union as well as union employers, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that comments posted on Facebook are protected in the same manner and to the same extent as comments made at the "water cooler." In Hispanics United of Buffalo, 359 NLRB No. 37 (Dec. 14, 2012), the Board found that a non-union employer's termination of five employees for Facebook postings was unlawful, awarding the employees full reinstatement and back pay.



Massachusetts FACE Project issues brochures on fall prevention in residential construction

The Massachusetts FACE Project, in conjunction with the national Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction, and with input from local industry and labor safety experts, contractors, and researchers, has updated and published a series of four residential construction fall prevention brochures for contractors.

Brochure topics include myths about falls, ladder safety, scaffold safety and personal fall arrest systems, and all are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.