Things you should know
Injured workers' emergency room use varies widely by state
Findings from a recent study by the Workers' Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) suggest that some state workers' compensation systems are not steering care to the most cost-effective health care facilities. The study found that 44 percent of all new workplace injuries in Massachusetts were treated initially in a hospital emergency room, 37 percent in Mississippi, and 33 percent in New York. Alternatively, only 17 percent of new workplace injuries in California were treated in an emergency room, 19 percent in Nevada, and 20 percent in Arizona. While some emergency room use was driven by medical necessity, employee-choice states and local norms were also factors.
Study: Apprenticeship programs help reduce on-the-job injuries
A recent study by the Washington State Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention Program (SHARP) examined workers' compensation claims of more than 4,000 journey-level plumbers from 2000 to 2018. It found claim rates were 31 percent lower for the plumbers who completed apprenticeship training.
Study: Workers lose trust in robots after a few mistakes
Researchers from the University of Michigan asked 240 people to individually work on a task alongside a robot co-worker, also called "cobots," that was programmed to make mistakes. The robot would try to regain trust by using strategies such as explanations, apologies, denials, and promises of greater trustworthiness. However, after three mistakes people lost trust in the cobots.
Study: Receipt paper may expose retail workers to hazardous chemicals
Researchers at the Ecology Center, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group, analyzed 374 receipts from 144 chain retailers in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Findings show that bisphenol S, which has been found to disrupt hormones, was present in about 80 percent of the receipts, down from 84 percent in a similar study conducted in 2017.
The study includes recommendations for workers, shoppers, and retailers.
International Roadcheck - May 16-18
Inspectors across North America will examine braking systems, lights, tires, and other commercial truck and bus components May 16-18 during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's 36th annual International Roadcheck. Last year's 72-hour effort produced more than 59,000 inspections, with 21.1 percent of vehicles and 6.3 percent of drivers being placed out of service.
New training module on PPE when responding to roadway incidents
A new training module from the Emergency Responder Safety Institute focuses on the use of personal protective equipment when responding to roadway incidents. The approximately one-hour, self-guided training covers PPE requirements, types of PPE, how to select PPE, and why it's important to wear PPE consistently and correctly.
New online tool aims to prevent sprains and strains
Developed in collaboration with Oregon OSHA and the Oregon-based SAIF Corp., the Brainstorm Ergonomic Solutions Tool features a series of questions that focus on sources of ergonomic risk to help users explore different ways to make lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling safer. The resource looks at how a change to the workspace or the task itself can enhance worker safety.
National COSH announces 2023 "Dirty Dozen" employers
The Dirty Dozen, released in observance of Workers' Memorial Week by The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, highlights companies that put workers and communities at risk with unsafe practices. Amazon was cited for the fourth year and Tesla, FedEx, Norfolk Southern, and Class I Railroads were among the companies singled out.
USDA extends line speed trial at pork-processing facilities
A trial that allows select pork-processing facilities to operate at increased line speeds will continue until November 30, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service.
One in five US adults suffer from chronic pain: CDC
In 2021, 20.9 percent of adults in the U.S. experienced chronic pain, and 6.9 percent experienced high-impact chronic pain that results in "substantial restriction to daily activities," according to a report issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Consistent with previous studies, the prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain was higher among older adults, females, adults currently unemployed but who worked previously, veterans, adults living in poverty, those residing in nonmetropolitan areas, and those with public health insurance.
Kentucky legalizes medical marijuana
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed a bill legalizing medical marijuana, making the state the 38th in the U.S. to allow doctors to recommend the alternative treatment. Doctors will need to be certified to recommend cannabis for their patients.
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California
- According to a new study by the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB), Experience Rating serves as an effective incentive for employers to provide safe workplaces.
Florida
- The Division of Workers' Compensation has given long-awaited final approval to the 2020 reimbursement manual for ambulatory surgical centers. The manual includes maximum reimbursement amounts for many more medical procedures. The reimbursement rates take effect July 1, but it's known as the 2020 edition because that's when the rulemaking process began.
Massachusetts
- Insurance Commissioner Gary Anderson approved a 10.2 percent average rate cut for policies incepting on or after July 1. The rate cut was negotiated by the Attorney General's office and was more than twice as large as what the Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau recommended.
Michigan
- Michigan became first state in 58 years to repeal its "right-to-work" law. The state's "right-to-work" law had allowed those in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues and fees. The Governor also signed legislation restoring a prevailing wage law, requiring contractors hired for state projects to pay union-level wages.