NIOSH Warns Psychological & Social Support Necessary for Influenza Responders

Comparing the 911 Tragedy with a possible Flu Pandemic, NIOSH has issued an alert that Psychological and Social support for essential service workers may be required during an influenza pandemic.

"This document addresses the psychological and social ("psychosocial") needs of essential service workers during a severe2 influenza pandemic. Essential service workers may include health care workers, public health workers, first-responder organizations, and employees of public utilities, sanitation, transportation, and food and medicine supply-chain companies."

Governor Patterson Signs Legislation Extending Benefits for 911 Workers

New York State workers’ compensation benefits have been expanded for 911 workers as a result legislation signed Governor Patterson. Under the prior law the registration period would have closed in August 208. The date has been extended to September 10, 2010.

The definitions in this bill expand the scope of a "qualifying WTC condition" under the Accidental Diability Law to include:

(1) members who did not undergo apre-employment physical examination, but who provide access to medical records which demonstrate the absence of a qualifying condition priorto September 11, 2001;

(2) 911 dispatchers who worked on September 11, 2001 and suffered psychological injury;

(3) members who worked for any period of time within the first 48 hours after the first airplane hit the WTC; and

(4) members who repaired, cleaned or rehabilitated vehicles or equipment, including emergency vehicle radio equipment owned by New York City ("NYC") that was contaminated by debris from the WTC site.

Sections 18, 19 and 20 of the bill amend Workers` Compensation Law("WCL") SS 162, 164 and 168 to allow claimants to file a sworn statement indicating the dates and locations of their participation inthe rescue, recovery and clean-up operations until September 10, 2010,with the date of disablement being determined as the date mostbeneficial to the claimant. Claims for disablements occurring between September 1, 2003 and September 11, 2008 will not be time barred. The time period was to have expired on August 14, 2008.

“We have a profound responsibility to provide those who participated in the rescue, recovery and clean-up efforts in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 with the benefits they deserve,” said Governor Paterson. “It is imperative that we continue to provide those workers who face health consequences from their work at Ground Zero with the very best care and the opportunity to apply for disability benefits.”

“We also have a responsibility to better protect patients in New York. Strengthening the disciplinary system for physicians and giving the public more information, combined with enhancing infection control measures, is vital to the safety of all of our citizens,” added Paterson.

5TH ANNUAL THIS YEAR IN WORKERS’ COMP – THE TOP ISSUES & CASES

5TH ANNUAL THIS YEAR IN WORKERS’ COMP – THE TOP ISSUES & CASES
http://www.njicle.com/seminar.aspx?sid=558

Hear an expert analysis of key cases decided during the past year

Presented in cooperation with the NJSBA Workers’ Compensation Section

Tuesday, July 08, 2008 4:00 PM to 8:00 PMNew Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick / S1485d-14533

This fifth annual program features a panel of some of the most respected Workers' Conmpensation Judges and attorneys, who will review and provide insight on the top issues and cases that have emerged during the past year.

This fast-paced program will be packed with practical pointers that have proven successful in matters ranging from jurisdictional issues through coverage of employment. The program will expand your horizons and broaden your practice potential into expanding in developing areas of the law such as the Longshore Act, Defense Base Act claims, and actions involving New York jurisdiction, including 9/11 claims. Make plans to register today!

PROVEN STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH THE TOP ISSUES CONFRONTING TODAY’S WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ATTORNEYS, INCLUDING…
• Proving that a claim arose out of, and occurred in, the course of the employment: Mojica v. The Valley Hospital
• Interpreting the "Going and Coming Rule" to prove your case: Scott v. Foodarama Supermarkets • Determing jurisdiction of the court: Morella v. Grand Union/New Jersey Self-Insurers Guaranty Association 193 N.J. 350 (2008), Kibler v. Roxbury Bd. of Educ. 392 N.J. Super. 45 App. Div. 2007) , Flick v. PMA Ins. Co. and Kathleen Reed, 394 N.J. Super. 605 (App. Div. 2007)• What you need to know about counsel fees: Alvarado v. J & J Snack Foods Corp.
• How to handle a Longshore and/or Defense Base Act Claim
• What you need to know about NJ 911 exposure filing and proof requirements
...and more

http://www.njicle.com/seminar.aspx?sid=558
Moderator:JON L. GELMAN, ESQ.

Speakers include:
STEPHEN C. EMBRY, ESQ.
NANCY J. JOHNSON, ESQ.
EDGAR N. ROMANO, ESQ.

Click here to print paper registration form http://www.njicle.com/ICLEOrderForm.pdf

Workers' Compensation, "'The Dead Elephant' in the Room"

Joining a loud and vocal majority, Peter Rousmanie, a writer for the periodical, Risk and Insurance, has authored a series of 4 articles on the failing workers’ compensation system.

In a series initially focusing on the World Trade Disaster he has shifted his focus in the first two articles from merely the 911 tragedy to the entire system calling workers’ compensation, “”The Dead Elephant’ In the Room.”

World Trade Center In-Depth Series (Part 1): Up in Smoke

World Trade Center In-Depth Series (Part 2): The Disease Within

World Trade Center In-Depth Series (Part 3): Peeling a Sour Apple