Copyright

(c) 2010-2024 Jon L Gelman, All Rights Reserved.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

NJ Workers' Compensation Rates Increase in 2017 - Max $896.00

The NJ Workers' Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau (NJCRIB) reported today 2017 rates effective January 1, 2017.

The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance (“Commissioner”) has approved a 3.0% decrease in rates and rating values applicable to New Jersey workers compensation and employers liability insurance effective January 1, 2017 on a new and renewal basis. The rating components of the decrease are summarized below.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

OSHA cites NJ roofing contractor for exposing workers to falls, other hazards $112K


Hackensack Roofing Co. Inc., 83 First St., Hackensack, New Jersey was cited for OSHA
violations.Citations issued: On Dec. 16, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations to the company for one serious and three repeat safety violations.

Investigation findings: As part of the agency's Local Emphasis Program focused on falls, OSHA began the East Rutherford inspection on Oct. 18, after inspectors observed employees working on a roof without fall protection. The Wallington inspection was opened in response to a complaint alleging fall hazards on the site.

Inspectors issued citations for repeat violations due to a lack of fall and eye protection. The company was previously cited for similar violations in 2014.

A serious citation was issued because workers were throwing roof shingles from the roof without the use of a container to catch the materials.

Quote: "The fact that Hackensack Roofing allowed employees to work without basic fall protection on two separate sites is problematic and indicates a breakdown in their safety and health program," said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. "Falls in construction continue to be the leading cause of workplace fatalities. By repeatedly failing to comply with OSHA regulations, this employer continues to put its workers at risk, leaving them vulnerable to falls that could permanently injure or kill them."

Proposed penalties: $112,487

The citation can be viewed at:

The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Related:
Feb 26, 2016 ... OSHA finds Middlesex contractor exposed workers to fall hazards after investigation of roofer's death at Parsippany jobsite S&S Roofing Inc., ...
workers-compensation.blogspot.com
Aug 17, 2016 ... Investigation findings: OSHA initiated an inspection on April 25, 2016, after a compliance officer observed Furia Roofing employees working on ...
workers-compensation.blogspot.com
Mar 8, 2011 ... Feb 9 2011, DISTRIBUTED for Conference of February 25, 2011. Feb 16 2011, Reply of petitioner Vaughan Roofing & Sheet Metal, LLC filed.
workers-compensation.blogspot.com
May 20, 2013 ... For example, a roofing company may have 30 roofers doing the actual work but these workers are classified as "independent contractors" ...
workers-compensation.blogspot.com


Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Zika: The Next Compensable Infectious Disease - Benefit Challenges Begin




Workers' Compensation insures for the consequences of infectious diseases arising out of and in the course of employment. Is the system ready for a potential onslaught of Zika claims?

The line in the sand has been drawn in the State of Florida, where an infected Miami Beach police officer has been denied benefits. The union has actively supporting the municipal employee in an effort to rule the claim compensable.

The NJ Supreme Court in establishing compensability in an occupational disease cited Justice Learned Hand, “Few adults are not diseased … an infection mastered, though latent, is no longer a disease, industrially speaking, until the individual's resistance is again so far lowered that he succumbs.” Bober v. Independent Plating Corp., 28 N.J. 160, 145 A.2d 463 (1958).

Lung-sparing surgery for patients with advanced mesothelioma results in prolonged survival, new study shows

Patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) treated with a combination of surgery to remove the cancer but save their lung, plus photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy, had a median survival of nearly three years, with a subset of patients living longer than seven years, according to new research published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

OSHA Issues Final Record Keeping Rule

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Monday will issue a final rule that clarifies an employer's continuing obligation to make and maintain an accurate record of each recordable injury and illness. The final rule becomes effective Jan. 18, 2017.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

OSHA Cites Paterson NJ Laundry for Violations - $91K In Fines

OSHA cites New Jersey commercial laundry for workplace safety hazards
Paterson's Star Laundry fined $91K for 12 federal violations
Employer name:
Star Laundry Inc.
421 and 436 East 16th St.
Paterson, New Jersey
Citations issued: On Dec. 7, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations against Brite Services Inc., doing business as Star Laundry Inc., for seven repeat, two serious and three other-than-serious violations.

NJ Governor Nominates Judges of Compensation and Promotes Bill to Increase Salaries

NJ Governor Chris Christie filed the following nominations with the State Senate. The Governor’s nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate. The Governor also filed the following direct appointments with the Secretary of State's Office.