More than half of COVID-19 health care workers at risk for mental health problems

A new study suggests more than half of doctors, nurses, and emergency responders involved in COVID-19 care could be at risk for one or more mental health problems, including acute traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, problematic alcohol use, and insomnia. The researchers found that the risk of these mental health conditions was comparable to rates observed during natural disasters, such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

Disability for Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19

The residuals of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2 virus) are many. Claimants will need to prove that the residuals that they have sustained are causally related to the virus. 

OSHA Temporary Emergency COVID Standard on the Horizon

President-elect Joe Biden plans to have OSHA establish an emergency temporary standard to keep workers safe from COVID-19. 

Top 10 Articles of 2020 - Year in Review

A list of the most popular 10 Workers’ Compensation Blog Posts in 2020

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Extending Public Health Emergency in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 210. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020, through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, August 1, August 27, September 25, October 24, and November 21. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

NJ Governor Phil Murphy’s Conditional Veto Message on Senate Bill No. 2354

Pursuant to Article V, Section I, Paragraph 14 of the New Jersey Constitution, I am returning Senate Bill No. 2354 (Second Reprint) with my recommendations for reconsideration.

Trust Through Transparency

A significant concern of employees, employers, and insurance companies is whether or not the new COVID-19 vaccines are safe to take. Vaccine efficacy is going to have a significant impact on the decision-making process.

Survivors of COVID-19 appear to be at increased risk of psychiatric sequelae

A recent study concludes that survivors of COVID-19 appear to be at increased risk of psychiatric sequelae. This reports reflects the potential for an increased surge of workers’ compensation claims attributed to exposure to coronavirus in the workplace.

Talc-Based Cosmetics Test Positive for Asbestos

Laboratory tests of talc-based cosmetics products, commissioned by the Environmental Working Group, found asbestos – a deadly human carcinogen for which there is no safe level of exposure – in almost 15 percent of samples. 

CDC Likely to Allocate COVID-19 Vaccine to Essential Workers Ahead of Seniors

Who gets the COVID-19 vaccine first was the subject of a meeting this week of the Centers for Disease Control’s [CDC] Advisory Committees on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. While a final determination has yet been made, it appears that the initial vaccine allocation will prioritize essential workers.

ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Meatpacking Plant for Treacherous COVID-19 Conditions

While the workers’ compensation system was established to shield employers from civil actions, in certain circumstances employers may still bring a cause of action directly against the employer. Essential workers in Nebraska have sued their employer for operating a meatpacking plant under conditions that were unsafe during the COVID-19 pandemic. This case highlights the need for employers to formulate worker safety protocols during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

NJ Governor Extends the Public Health Emergency

NJ coronavirus cases continue to soar. “At least 15 new coronavirus deaths and 3,968 new cases were reported in New Jersey on Nov. 22. Over the past week, there has been an average of 3,821 cases per day, an increase of 79 percent from the average two weeks earlier, “ The NY Times reported.

Underpayment of Wages Impact Workers’ Compensation Claims

The underpayment of wages due workers impacts the calculation of benefits that injured workers and their dependents receive. States are now enforcing laws when inadequate wages have been paid workers.

Federal Preemption of State Medical Billing Schedules

Medical benefits are a significant factor in the overall costs of of most state workers compensation programs. The ability to contain  those costs is at the very heart of the viability of most workers’ compensation systems. Federal preemption of state medical fee schedules and regulations are a prevailing challenge to the patchwork of non-uniform state benefit programs.

The Biden Plan to Strengthen Safety in the Workplace Anticipated

As New Jersey re-implement stricter controls to contain the new surge the COVID-19, a stronger federal policy appears to be on the horizon from the incoming Biden Administration. Employers will need to prepare for the anticipated rules.

Strategies to Prevent COVID Clusters and Spreaders

This week’s episode of the Veterans Administration  Podcast “COVID in 20” focuses on important strategies to prevent workplace COVID clusters and super-spreaders. The experts were questioned by Dr. Chad Kessler, National Program Director for VHA [Veterans Health Administration] Emergency Medicine.

NJ Files Lawsuits Against Two Waterfront Sites for Contamination

As part of the State of New Jersey’s continuing commitment to protect public health and restore natural resources degraded by those who refuse accountability, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe today announced the filing of two lawsuits to compel the clean-up of contamination and recover Natural Resource Damages (NRDs).

Over 46% of High-risk Adults Are Endangered by Workplace Exposures to SARA-CoV2

A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) this week finds that workplace-exposures to SARS-CoV2 endanger, not only the workers but also imperil the lives of their household contacts. 

NJ Tightens COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions

 NJ coronavirus cases continue to soar to a new daily number of 3,877 and a Rate of Transmission 1.25% and the state has now issued further restrictions to curb the spread of the potentially fatal virus. These new restrictions will impact business in the entertainment and hospitality field as well as indoor sports. 

Grocery Store Workers Five Times More Likely to Get COVID-19 Infection

Grocery store employees are likely to be at heightened risk of COVID-19 infection, with those in customer-facing roles 5 times as likely to test positive as their colleagues in other positions, suggests the first study of its kind, published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine.