Investing for the Next Pandemic

Preparing for the next pandemic is an essential need for all employers, employees, and insurance companies.  The failure of the public health system to handle COVID-19 is evident as the death toll (675,400) fatalities) has now exceeded the 1918 Spanish Flu mortality rate.  The US CDC is encouraging preparation by announcing the opportunity for final investment. It is also incumbent upon the workers’ compensation industry to expand its efforts for pandemic preparation  

Methylene Chloride Continues to be a Fatal Hazard in the Workplace

Exposure to paint strippers containing methylene chloride remains a severe health concern for workers. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals recently refused to extend the United States Environmental Protection [EPA] agency's regulations to cover methylene chloride in the commercial setting.

Social Security to be Depleted by 2033

The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 78 percent of benefits payable at that time. 

COVID Testing: What Employees and Employers Need to Know

COVID testing is taking a more prominent role as more employers have established vaccine mandates for their employees. Employees who assert either a medical waiver or religious exemption must undergo regular and observed COVID testing. 

Rules Proposed to End NJ Pension Cost Shifting

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development [DLWD] has proposed Rules that will adopt the recommendations of  NJ State Comptroller. A February 2021 investigative report by the NJ State Comptroller raised critical issues common to other state and national collateral social insurance programs challenged by current fiscal limitations. The deadline for written comments is October 15, 2021.

NJDOL, Treasury Raid Worksite in First Joint-Enforcement Action to Combat Worker Misclassification

A team of more than 60 investigators from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) and the Department of the Treasury, supported by other state agencies, conducted an unannounced investigation of a construction site at 88 Regent Street in Jersey City in response to allegations of worker misclassification. 

OSHA issues updated guidance on protecting unvaccinated and other at-risk workers from the coronavirus

U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today issued updated guidance to help employers protect workers from the coronavirus. The updated guidance reflects developments in science and data, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated COVID-19 guidance issued July 27.