New Jersey has taken a groundbreaking step forward in supporting the mental health of its first responders. Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 5792, which requires workers' compensation to cover 12 hours of counseling for first responders following certain traumatic events. This legislation, now codified as P.L. 2025, c. 134, took effect on August 21, 2025, marking a significant expansion of workers' compensation benefits for mental health issues.
Showing posts with label First Responders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label First Responders. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Long Overdue Public Safety Worker Coverage
Legislation has been reintroduced to provide workers’ compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed an occupational illness or injury flowing from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. A closer look at the legislation reveals that it removes defenses such as causal relationship, statute of limitations, and jurisdiction. Complicated statutory and regulatory challenges may ultimately offset the benefits offered.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
NJ Expands Compensation Benefits for First Responders
NJ Governor Phil Murphy signed A-5909/S-4267, which revises workers' compensation coverage for certain injuries to certain volunteer and professional public safety and law enforcement personnel. The bill amends current workers’ compensation law to add that a response to an emergency, including work sufficient to cause certain injuries or death, is compensable.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
A Federal Heroes Compensation Fund
The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential of generating an enormous number of occupational illness claims from health care workers [HCW] and first responders [FR]. Several governmental leaders have called for a nationalized workers’ compensation benefit program to handle the surge of claims.
Bill Expanding Workers’ Comp Benefits for ‘Essential Workers’ Advanced by Labor Committee
Panel approves legislation making it easier for employees on the front lines of coronavirus fight to get work-related benefits
Acting to ensure that ‘essential workers’ serving public needs during the coronavirus crisis get the benefits and protections they deserve, the Senate Labor Committee approved a bill authored by Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senator Robert Singer and Senator Linda Greenstein expanding access to workers’ compensation and other benefits for front-line workers sickened by the coronavirus.
“The men and women who are on the front lines protecting our health and safety and providing the vital services we all need during this crisis must be assured that they have basic worker protections and that they can get workers’ compensation if they fall ill to the coronavirus,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “We need to ensure that they can go to work with the knowledge that these benefits will be there if they need them.”
The bill, S-2380, would create a presumption that coronavirus disease infections contracted by essential employees who interact with the public, including health care workers and public safety workers, are work-related for the purpose of determining employment benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses, including workers’ compensation benefits. It would cover workers in the public and private sectors.
“New Jersey’s essential employees continue to go to work each and every day, inevitably putting themselves in harms way as they serve their communities,” said Senator Singer (R-30). “Frontline workers who contract COVID-19 should have access to financial safeguards and quality medical care. While we’re hammering out the details with stakeholders and the bill remains a work in progress, I look forward to a positive outcome for everyone.”
The presumption would apply to essential employees in both the public and private sectors who perform needed work during the current public health emergency and would be retroactive to March 9th, when New Jersey’s state of emergency was declared.
“If we are willing to define some of some of the lowest-paid members of our workforce as essential and ask them to put themselves at a higher risk, we must ensure that we provide them with the workers compensation benefits they deserve,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer). “In this unprecedented public health crisis, it is more important than ever that basic protections for those workers who interact with the public and increase their own risk of exposure should be maintained.”
The committee vote was 3-1-1.
The following bill(s) have been scheduled for a committee or a legislative session.
S2380:
Sweeney, Stephen M./Scutari, Nicholas P./Singer, Robert W.
Concerns employment benefits and coronavirus disease 2019 infections contracted by essential employees.
5/14/2020 3:30:00 PM Senate
Voting Session (remote)
Related Articles
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Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com has been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Blog: Workers ' Compensation
Twitter: jongelman
LinkedIn: JonGelman
LinkedIn Group: Injured Workers Law & Advocacy Group
Author: "Workers' Compensation Law" West-Thomson-Reuters
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Health Care Workers Are at a Heightened COVID Risk - Updated 5/5/2020
A report published today by the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] highlights the increased risk of health care workers who are working so diligently on the frontlines in the effort to battle the COVID pandemic.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
NJ Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Protect First Responders, Including 9/11 Volunteers
On July 8, 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed A4882 and S716 into law, which will enhance protections for first responders, including those who volunteered for 9/11 rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts at World Trade Center sites.
“Thousands of courageous volunteers put their lives on the line in order to save those affected by the devastation of 9/11,” said Governor Murphy. “We will never forget their selfless acts of heroism, just as we will always be grateful for the first responders who put their lives on the line for us every day. Today we send a clear message to all of our heroes: We have your back. I am proud to sign legislation that will ensure the health benefits and compensation that these incredible men and women deserve.”
A4882, also known as “the Bill Ricci World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery, and Cleanup Operations Act,” is named after Lieutenant Bill Ricci, a professional firefighter in Clifton, Passaic County, who volunteered to serve at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Lieutenant Ricci was ineligible for an accidental disability retirement under previously existing law. However, through this act, members and retirees who volunteered for 9/11 rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations, like Lieutenant Ricci, will be eligible to receive accidental disability retirement. This act will also create an exception to the normal five-year filing requirement for 9/11-related operations.
S716, also known as “the Thomas P. Canzanella First Century First Responders Protection Act,” is named after Deputy Chief Thomas P. Canzanella, a former Hackensack firefighter and advocate who served at Ground Zero after 9/11. Deputy Chief Canzanella, who was an IAFF state representative, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 50. In 2016, Governor Christie absolute vetoed a previous version of this bill.
Under previously existing law, first responders and firefighters had the burden of proving causation for their illnesses, which often required a significant expense of time and resources. This new law reforms New Jersey’s workers’ compensation law to create a rebuttable presumption of coverage for public safety workers for certain illnesses. For firefighters, those with seven or more years of service who suffer an injury, illness or death caused by certain types of medical conditions would not be required to demonstrate causation or exposure before receiving medical benefits and financial compensation. Other first responders, including first-aid or rescue squad members, police, corrections officers, nurses, medical technicians, and other medical personnel, are also not required to demonstrate causation of illnesses, but are required to provide evidence of exposure.
“The Labor Department works hard to ensure that workers receive all the benefits they are entitled to under the law, and this is especially true for our first-responders,” said New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “I’m proud to see that New Jersey’s brave men and women on the front lines, who run toward danger to keep the rest of us safe, will now have access to benefits if they become sick or disabled as a result of their heroism on 9/11, and will be taken care of in any future emergency.”
“I am glad that the lawmakers were able to come together on this so quickly to help us,” said Lieutenant Bill Ricci, City of Clifton Firefighter. “It’s great how there were changes made on the fly to help more people as they became aware of the need. Hopefully, only a few will require this legislation, but it’s here now to help all that need it.”
“My family is so honored and so grateful to stand here today. It’s been a very long 12 years without him but to see that this work is going to help so many people is just so powerful,” said Allison Canzanella, daughter of Thomas P. Canzanella. “And, I’m just so proud to be his daughter every single day. Thank you.”
“Today, with the signing of the “Thomas P. Canzanella 21st Century First Responders Protection Act,” Firefighters, first responders, public safety workers, and their families in New Jersey will benefit in the event of an injury, illness or death in the performance of their duties,” said Dominick Marino, President of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. “On behalf of the PFANJ Executive Board, its members, and their families, I want to thank Assemblywomen Quijano and Senator Greenstein for sponsoring and working to get the “Thomas P. Canzanella 21st Century First Responders Protection Act” passed and thank Governor Murphy for signing it into law.”
“The IAFF is proud to see New Jersey recognizing the dangers of occupational cancer our members encounter,” said Harold Schaitberger, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters. “The “Thomas P. Canzanella Twenty First Century First Responders Protection Act” will help care for fire fighters who are sick as a result of doing their duty of protecting their community.”
“It is time that we the citizens of New Jersey protect our police and fire as they protect us. The signing of these 2 bills is a beginning of this endeavor,” said Robert Fox, President of the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police. “I thank the Governor, the Assembly, and the Senate for their actions to get these bills signed into law.”
“With the signing of these bills today, Governor Murphy and the Legislature guarantee the brave men and women who answered the call on 9/11 are not forgotten,” said Pat Colligan, President of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association. “Those officers who bravely went into harm’s way and have dealt with the health consequences now have the reassurance they will be covered. I want to thank the Governor and Legislature for assuring our heroes that they are not abandoned.”
“The NJFMBA thanks the Governor and Legislature for moving this important legislation and signing them in Jersey City,” said Wayne Wolk, Executive Vice President of the New Jersey State Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolent Association. “Seventeen years ago, our elected officials promised to never forget the sacrifices first responders made on September 11th and the weeks and months that followed. Today, our elected officials showed that here in New Jersey, they keep their promises.”
“I want to thank everyone for their hard work in getting this bill passed, including the Governor, the Legislature, and most of all, the brave responders who answered the call on 9/11,” said Dr. Iris Udasin, Medical Director of the World Trade Center Clinic, Rutgers’ Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute.
Primary sponsors of A4882, also known as, “the Bill Ricci World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery, and Cleanup Operations Act,” include Assemblymembers James Kennedy, Jamel Holley, and Andrew Zwicker, and Senators Nicholas Scutari and Joseph Lagana.
“When police and firefighters in New Jersey received word that two planes had struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, many of them didn’t hesitate before responding to the scene, even though they were not specifically ordered to go,” said Assemblyman James Kennedy. “Unfortunately, some suffered permanent or total disability. Due to the fact that they responded as volunteers, they have not been entitled to the same compensation as their counterparts who were considered to be ‘on the job’ that day. This law changes that.”
All of the heroic men and women who responded to Ground Zero deserve our utmost respect and admiration, regardless of whether they were on the clock,” said Assemblyman Jamel Holley. “They all saw the same terror, took the same risks, and worked towards the same goal. If their health has been affected in the time since, they all should be eligible for the same disability allowance.”
“Our country is still feeling the effects of 9/11 today. The impact on those who were there – particularly our first responders – remains even more prevalent,” said Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker. “We can go further to honor our first responders by ensuring they are recognized and compensated for their service on 9/11, voluntary or otherwise. They deserve nothing less.”
“Many of these brave men and women are suffering from serious illnesses traced back to their efforts at Ground Zero,” said Senator Nicholas Scutari. “This law will provide much needed financial support for these individuals whose health was drastically effected when they heroically put their country first on 9/11.”
“In the aftermath of 9/11, first responders from our state displayed absolute heroism, facing fear and uncertainty head-on. Now, these brave individuals will finally be able to receive the increased benefits of accidental disability they deserve,” said Senator Joseph Lagana. “This is an easy decision to make to help our resident heroes who are facing medical conditions related to the Ground Zero cleanup. Guaranteeing these benefits is the least we can do for these brave men and women.”
Primary sponsors of S716, also known as, “the Thomas P. Canzanella First Century First Responders Protection Act,” include Senators Linda Greenstein, Christopher Bateman, and Joseph Lagana, and Assemblymembers Anette Quijano, Daniel Benson, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson.
“First-responders should not have to fight to receive treatment or compensation related to on-the-job exposure to toxins and pathogens,” said Senator Linda Greenstein. “This law recognizes that symptoms of illnesses may not be immediate and ensures that no matter when symptoms occur, our emergency personnel are protected.”
“First responders run towards danger with the sole goal of saving lives. We have already seen far too many pay a price for that heroic sacrifice. We need to ensure these heroes get the medical care they earned in the line of duty,”said Senator Christopher Kip Bateman. “This law is the least we can do to thank the bravest among us for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.”
“These workers are our first line of defense. Their jobs are not only stressful, they are dangerous,” said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. “This new law ensures that public safety workers are adequately covered if they suffer a debilitating illness or worse related to their duties at work.”
“Public safety workers expose themselves to dangerous situations that could prove debilitating and even deadly,” said Assemblyman Dan Benson. “Most importantly, the work can be a significant health hazard. Our workers deserve comparable coverage.”
“These workers put their lives on the line for the safety of others,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson. “They should never have to question whether they will be compensated accordingly for the sacrifices that they make.”
…. Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900jon@gelmans.com has been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Governor Conditionally Vetoes NJ Supplemental Benefits Bill
The NJ supplemental workers' compensation bill has been conditional vetoed by NJ Governor Murphy. In the conditional veto message the Governor notes that the legislation's unintended consequences would jeopardize NJ's "reverse offset," shift the cost responsibility and not provide an economic benefit to the injured workers. The NJ Senate then took action.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
First Responder Workers' Compensation Benefits Bill Advances
A public hearing of a bill (A1741 and S716) advancing workers' compensation benefits for first responders will be held on October 18, 2018 at 10:00 am Committee Room 15, 4th Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, NJ.
This bill creates a rebuttable presumption of workers’ compensation coverage for public safety workers and other employees in certain circumstances. The bill affirms that if, in the course of employment, a public safety worker is exposed to a serious communicable disease or a biological warfare or epidemic-related pathogen or biological toxin, all care or treatment of the worker, including services needed to ascertain whether the worker contracted the disease, shall be compensable under workers' compensation, even if the worker is found not to have contracted the disease.
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).
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Prostate Cancer: Now on the 9-11 Fund Compensable List
Prostate Cancer has now been approved as a compensable condition for benefits for those who are eligible to claim benefits from the 9-11 Health Claim Fund. The deadline to claim benefits for some, October 3, 2013, is rapidly approaching.
Click here for more information for about filing a claim.
Click here for more information for about filing a claim.
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Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Deadline for Filing 9-11 Claims Approaches - Cancer Claims Soar
As the October 3, 2013 deadline for filing 9-11 World Trade Center claims for benefits approaches, an increase in the number of claims flowing from cancer continue to soar. Over 1,100 cancer claims have been filed to date.
"More than 1,100 people who worked or lived near the World Trade Center on 9/11 have been diagnosed with cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Click here to read the compete article from CNN.
Click here for more information about filing a claim.
"More than 1,100 people who worked or lived near the World Trade Center on 9/11 have been diagnosed with cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Click here to read the compete article from CNN.
Click here for more information about filing a claim.
….
Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Senate fails to revive workers' comp bill for first responders
The bill would have required the employer to challenge any work-related injuries and illness, shifting the burden away from nurses, firefighters, police officers, rescue squad members and other first responders who have to prove how and when they were hurt or sickened under the current system.
Wages and medical benefits would be paid if "any death or disability, including post traumatic stress disorder, arises from the physical or psychological impact of stress or injury experienced by the public safety worker during response to a terrorist attack, epidemic or other catastrophic emergency," according to the bill sponsored by Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex).
Christie said while the state is grateful for the heroic work of its first responders, New Jersey can't afford this legislation.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Governor Christie Vetoes First Responder Workers' Compensation Bill
NJ Governor Chris Christie has vetoed legislation that would would have created a presumption that of compensability for first responders who contracted cancer. He calls NJ workers' compensation system "successful" as is.
S-1778/A-1196 (Greenstein/Stender, Egan, O’Donnell, Wimberly) – ABSOLUTE - ‟Thomas P. Canzanella Twenty First Century First Responders Protection Act”; concerns workers’ compensation for public safety workers.
July 18, 2013
SENATE BILL NO. 1778
(First Reprint)
To the Senate:
Pursuant to Article V, Section I, Paragraph 14 of the New
Jersey Constitution, I am returning Senate Bill No. 1778 (First
Reprint) without my approval.
Since New Jersey’s workers’ compensation law was enacted
more than a century ago, the unique circumstances surrounding
workplace injuries of all employees – including our State’s
public safety workers – have been considered in the context of
the fact-sensitive circumstances surrounding each incident.
This time-tested process appropriately balances all facts
necessary to determine a proper compensation award. In
contrast, this bill alters that careful balance by providing
public safety workers with a presumption to workers’
compensation, rebuttable only by clear and convincing evidence.
This sweeping new standard would apply to disabilities
associated with an array of enumerated incidents and, in some
cases, disabilities not tethered to any work-related incident at
all.
As a State, we must continually recognize the selfless
contributions of our first responders. Day in and day out,
these brave women and men make enormous sacrifices in order to
ensure our collective safety, health, and well-being against all
manner of threats. That essential public service, and the costs
associated with the injuries those duties may cause, must be
administered in a responsible manner that matches our public
resources. Although this measure would likely have a
significant impact on State, local, and municipal government
budgets, the bill’s sponsors refused to obtain a fiscal analysis
or refer the bill to either house’s respective budget
committees. Regrettably, the Legislature’s failure to pursue
the responsible course of thoroughly reviewing the significant
changes to a successful and long-standing system, and the
corresponding impact of this proposal on taxpayers, prevent my
approval.
Our public safety workers are vital to our State and I am
committed to ensuring their well-being and protection. Reasoned
suggestions for improving those practices should be openly and
honestly evaluated. While I welcome a discussion on new ways to
enhance the lives of emergency responders, the truncated and
insufficient manner in which this proposal was prepared and
passed is not consistent with our responsibility as elected
representatives of all citizens.
Accordingly, I herewith return Senate Bill No. 1778 (First
Reprint) without my approval.
Respectfully,
[seal] /s/ Chris Christie
Governor
Attest:
/s/ Charles B. McKenna
Chief Counsel to the Governor
Read more about workers compensation and Governor Christie
Apr 23, 2013
“'We're going to be coming up with a package of proposals that's going to work both sides of that,' Christie told a caller on his monthly NJ 101.5 FM radio show tonight. 'The employers who may not be stepping up and meeting ...
http://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/
....
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
....
For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
9/11 Fund Starts Making Payment to Victims
Those eligible include, individuals present at a 9/11 crash site at the time of or in the immediate aftermath, who suffer physical harm as a result of the crashes or debris removal. Also the personal representatives of individuals who were present at a 9/11 crash site, who died as a result of the crashes or debris removal, are eligible to file claims.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
9/11 Rescue Workers At Increased Risk for Cancer
Rescue and recovery workers at the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attack site have been reported to be at greater risk of certain cancers. The study followed a group of workers who have been exposed to toxic dust and fumes following the attack in New York City.
The study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association reported an increased incidence of prostate and thyroid cancers, plus multiple myeloma.
Benefits are available under The Zadroga 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund Benefit Program. The law was enacted by the US Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama about 3 years ago.
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Jon L.Gelman of Wayne NJ, helping injured workers and their families for over 4 decades, is the author NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson).
Read more about The Zadroga 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Benefit Program
The study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association reported an increased incidence of prostate and thyroid cancers, plus multiple myeloma.
Benefits are available under The Zadroga 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund Benefit Program. The law was enacted by the US Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama about 3 years ago.
....
Jon L.Gelman of Wayne NJ, helping injured workers and their families for over 4 decades, is the author NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson).
Read more about The Zadroga 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Benefit Program
Oct 19, 2012
The lawmakers wrote in a September 28th letter to OMB Acting Director Zients, “[W]e all agree that applying sequestration to these two programs [established by the James Zadroga 9-11 Health and Compensation Act] does ...
Feb 16, 2011
On January 2, 2011, President Obama signed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (“Zadroga Act”) providing a total of $4.3 billion in health benefits and financial compensation for victims, responders, and ...
Jun 21, 2011
"The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 reopens the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 to provide compensation to those who were physically injured or who died in the immediate ...
Feb 24, 2011
The study may significantly increase the potential benefits that utility workers may obtain under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (“Zadroga Act”) providing a total of $4.3 billion in health benefits and ...
Monday, November 19, 2012
Insurance Companies Join Coalition to Mitigate Natural Disaster Risks
 |
Union Beach, N.J.,
Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA
|
The dangers to first responders and rescue workers have become enormous. NJ Governor Chris Christie spoke out on Saturday Night Live about the unnecessary increased risk, when even city mayors of costal communities defy evacuation orders, and unnecessarily put workers in harms way. He called those who defy evacuation orders “idiots.”
Name-calling doesn’t solve problems, but reasonable action does. SmartSafer.org was established to support and advocate for smarter, more effective policies to help people in need, promote disaster safety and preparedness, and foster sounder environmental stewardship of our fragile coastal ecosytems.
"We simply can't go on subsidizing enormous numbers of people to live in areas that are prone to huge natural disasters." Eli Lehrer a member of SmarterSafer.org, a Washington-based coalition, on subsidies for rebuilding coastal communities.
Read the complete article in the NY Times: As Coasts Rebuild and U.S. Pays, Repeatedly, the Critics Ask Why
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Jon L.Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson).
Read more about Hurricane Sandy
NJ Provides Workers' Compensation For Hurricane Recovery
Nov 12, 2012
As Hurricane Sandy recovery workers descend on NJ by land, sea and airlift, by the thousands, energized and fueled by caffeine, to work long and tiring hours, to do treacherous and hazardous tasks, they need to understand ...
http://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/
OSHA urges hurricane recovery workers to protect themselves
Nov 05, 2012
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging workers and members of the public engaged in Hurricane Sandy cleanup and recovery efforts in New York, New Jersey and the New ...
http://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/
Workers' Compensation: Hurricane Sandy Relief: US Resources
Nov 06, 2012
Safety is a primary issue when you're recovering from a disaster. Follow these tips to help ensure your safety and cope with the disaster. If you aren't able to return home, states, tribes, localities, and the Red Cross continue to ...
http://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/
Deadly Asbestos Exposure Threat Left by Hurricane Sandy
Nov 04, 2012
The path of destruction to buildings caused by hurricane Sandy has created a potential threat of deadly asbestos exposure. Many structures destroyed and damaged by the storm contained asbestos fiber and those were ...
http://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/
Related articles
Friday, June 8, 2012
50 Cancers To Be Covered Under the 9-11 Zadroga Health Claim Fund
The New York Times is reporting this afternoon that The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has approved for compensation payments 50 types of cancers from the $4.3 Billion Zadroga 9-11 Fund. The announcement was made by NIOSH WTC Program Director John Howard MD, whose agency was responsible for reviewing Petition 001 regarding the addition of cancer, or types of cancer, to the List of World Trade Center-Related Health Conditions.
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTC Health Program) was established by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. Right now, the program provides services for responders, workers, and volunteers who helped with rescue, recovery, and cleanup at the World Trade Center and related sites in New York City. It also provides services for survivors who lived, worked, or were in school in the area. The WTC Health Program soon will also serve responders to the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, and the Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, PA.
Medical clinics are maintained throughout the New York metropolitan area. For a list of clinics click here.
Next Steps:
Once the Administrator receives the Advisory Committee’s recommendation he has 60 days to publish in the Federal Register either a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding the recommendation or a determination not to propose a rule and the basis for that determination.
If the Administrator publishes a notice of proposed rulemaking to add cancer, or certain types of cancer, to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions, the WTC Health Program must follow the normal regulatory process, including a minimum 30 day public comment period and review of those comments, before issuing a final rule.
If the Administrator determines not to add a certain type of cancer to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions at this time there would still be the possibility that the type of cancer could be added to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions in the future. Such potential future additions could be initiated through new petitions to the Administrator or at the Administrator’s discretion.
List of Cancers:
▪ Malignant neoplasms of the lip, tongue, salivary
gland, floor of mouth, gum and other mouth, tonsil,
oropharynx, hypopharynx, and other oral cavity and
pharynx
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the nasopharynx
▪ Malignant neoplasms of the nose, nasal cavity,
middle ear, and accessory sinuses
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the larynx
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the esophagus
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the stomach
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the colon and rectum
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the liver and intrahepatic
bile duct
▪ Malignant neoplasms of the retroperitoneum and
peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery
▪ Malignant neoplasms of the trachea; bronchus and
lung; heart, mediastinum and pleura; and other illdefined sites in the respiratory system and
intrathoracic organs
▪ Mesothelioma
▪ Malignant neoplasms of the soft tissues (sarcomas)
▪ Malignant neoplasms of the skin (melanoma and nonmelanoma), including scrotal cancer
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the breast
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the ovary
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the urinary bladder
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the kidney
▪ Malignant neoplasms of renal pelvis, ureter and
other urinary organs
▪ Malignant neoplasms of the eye and orbit
▪ Malignant neoplasm of the thyroid
▪ Malignant neoplasms of the blood and lymphoid
tissues (including, but not limited to, lymphoma,
leukemia, and myeloma)
▪ Childhood cancers
▪ Rare cancers
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For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered work related accident and injuries.
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