This rebate from the workers' compensation fund comes at an opportune time for the state's public employers. These employers are still trying to figure out how they will absorb the extra cost imposed upon them by the federal government's Affordable Care Act, which takes effect in 2014. The rebate will help cover some of this additional cost.
]]> The rebates are part of a larger package aimed to apply what the governor calls "excess" dollars in the state's workers' comp fund. The comprehensive plan will also increase available "safety and wellness" grants and will modernize the way employers receive their premium statements.Not everyone is excited about this decision. At least one person has complained that this proposal is the equivalent of raiding a fund that is supposed to be used to cover the medical expenses and loss of wages that injured Ohio workers incur. Instead of being available for workers when the workers desperately need financial assistance, these "excess" funds will be paid back to the employers, presumably to be spent as the employers choose.
Ohio law prohibits applying dedicated workers' comp funds to general use, but it does not prohibit the state from offering a rebate. Nevertheless, it is true that the state's workers' comp fund serves a vital purpose, and workers and their families count on that money being available. Although employers should get a refund on their premiums when one is readily available, hopefully the state while handle the fund prudently enough to protect future generations of Ohio workers.
Source: Newark Advocate, "Workers' comp plan would return $113M to Ohio schools, cities," Benjamin Lanka, May 14, 2013
]]>Workplace injuries in the construction industry can be catastrophic and sometimes, as in this case, even deadly. Details of the accident and how it occurred are not known at this time, but the accident is currently being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
]]> Workplace accidents, such as these, are frequently the result of lax enforcement of safety measures. Sometimes, companies forgo the necessary steps to ensure the saftey of their workers in exchange for increased profitability. If safety violations are present during the OSHA invesitigation, the escavating company may be subjected to hefty fines and penalties, depending on the severity of the violations.Fortunately in Ohio, the surviving relatives of these two men may be entitled to receive death benefits under the workers' compensation system. These benefits may include reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses, as well as a monetary settlement for death benefits.
No amount of money could ever replace the life of anyone, expecially a loved one. Nonetheless, this compensation can help greiving families, who are struggling financially after the death of their loved one, return to some semblance of normalcy. At the very least, it will alleviate financial burdens during the grieving process.
Source: Dayton Daily News, "2 Ohio workers killed by crane", May 5, 2013.
]]>Recently, an Ohio construction worker, who was working in a 20 foot ditch, was injured when he was struck by a piece of scaffolding. The extent of his injuries are not known at this time, and he is currently receiving medical treatment at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was admitted following the accident.
]]> According to reports, the worker was performing construction work on a new building at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, which is a $180 million dollar project. At the present time, he is reported to be doing well.Fortunately, this worker may be able to take advantage of the benefits offered under the Ohio worker's compensation system. He may be able to seek reimbursement for all the medical bills he has incurred as a result of the accident, as well as receive future medical treatment as needed to treat his injuries. He also may be able to receive monetary benefits while he is unable to work. If he is left with a permanent disbility or impairment as a result of his injuries, he may also be able to seek additional compensation.
Source: Cinncinati.Com, "Construction worker recovering after accident at Children's," Jennifer Edwards Baker, April 25, 2013.
]]>Reports indicate that the worker was operating a backhoe to clear garbage that was behind a guardrail north of Polaris in Delaware when a tanker truck struck the backhoe, resulting in the Ohio man being thrown onto the road. He died as a result of this job-related accident. A fire ensued after the crash and firefighters needed to battle the blaze for over an hour. The reports indicate that the driver of the tanker truck, who was also probably working at the time of the accident, is currently in critical condition.
]]> Fortunately, the family members of the Ohio man may be entitled to recevie death benefits through the Ohio worker's compensation system. By filing a claim through the proper channels, they may be able to receive reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses, as well as an additional monetary settlement for death benefits.When a worker is injured on the job in Ohio, they are entitled to receive medical treatment for their injuries, in addition to other benefits such as compensation for lost wages. If a worker is permanently impaired or disabled as a result of a workplace accident. Even if the accident is the fault of the worker, they may be entitled to receive additonal benefits as well.
Source: Columbus Dispatch, "Semi didn't slow before I-71 impact that killed ODOT worker, patrol says", Laura Aronshield, April 23, 2013
]]>Recently, a 56 year old man from Ohio died in a workplace accident at a natural gas operation in another state. The worker was reportedly employed by a contractor that was working at the site. The reports indicate that some type of fire or explosion occurred at a compressor station, although the details of the accident are unclear at this time. Two other workers were also injured in the incident.
]]> Unfortunately, the safety of workers is frequently compromised in many industries in order to turn a profit. The Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA) will very likely investigate the details of this accident and issue fines and warnings, if any safety violations are found at the site.Fortunately, if someone is injured while working in Ohio, they can rely on the Ohio Workers Compensation system to assist them during their recovery. Anyone who suffers a workplace injury, regardless of fault, may be entitled to receive monetary benefits for lost wages, reimbursement of medical expenses and ongoing medical treatment after an injury after filing a claim. If someone is left with a permanent disability or impairment, they may seek additional compensation. If someone dies as a result of an accident on the job, their loved ones may be entitled to receive monetary death benefits by filing a claim for worker's compensation.
Source: Akron Beacon Journal, "Worker from Ohio killed in West Virginia accident," Bob Downing, April 14, 2013.
]]>Workplace accidents frequently occur when there is a breakdown in following proper safety protocols. That is when OSHA steps in to enforce the law. In a recent case, some of the violations found at a Sugarcreek facility which manufactures pallets included failing to have adequate machine guarding and personal protective equipment, failing to provide adequate protection to workers who were working with live electrical wires and failing to provide some types of protection from falls for workers working on the roof.
]]> At this time, OSHA is going to impose a penalty of $64,400 on the manufacturer. This may serve as a wake-up call to the plant and lead to fewer preventable workplace injuries, although it is the fourth time that the plant has been inspected since 2011.Fortunately, if a worker is injured in Ohio, they are entitled to file a claim for worker's compensation benefits. These benefits include compensation for lost wages due to an injury, reimbursement of medical expenses and ongoing medical treatment for any work related injury. In some cases, if a worker is permanently disabled or impaired as a result of a workplace accident, they may be entitled to receive additional compensation. Fortunately, these benefits are available regardless of whether the worker was a fault for the accident.
Source: osha.gov "US Labor Department's OSHA cites Scenic Wood Products for 20
safety violations at Sugarcreek, Ohio, pallet manufacturing plant," April 1, 2013
One example of this is the recent citations issued to Kyklos Bearing in Sandusky, Ohio. The company manufactures bearings for cars. It employs approximately 850 people. Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the company with 13 serious safety violations, and have proposed imposing fines totaling $65,000 against the company.
]]> According to the report, the company failed to make its workers wear protective gear and respirators when removing asbestos. They also failed to provide a place to decontaminate from any exposure, and failed to properly monitor their workers' exposure to asbestos.In the state of Ohio, all workers are protected under the Ohio workers compensation system. If anyone experiences a workplace injury or an illness caused by exposure to a dangerous substance at work, they are entitled to receive worker's compensation benefits. Additionally, they are entitled to receive reimbursement for medical expenses, and are entitled to ongoing medical treatment for their injuries. If a worker suffers a permanent impairment or disability as a result of an accident of the job, they may also be entitled to additional financial compensation.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Office of Public Affairs, "US Labor Department's OSHA cites Kyklos Bearings International for failing to comply with asbestos removal standards at Sandusky, Ohio, plant," Scott Allen & Rhonda Burke, March 26, 2013.
]]>According to a recent new report, an Ohio fire captain was recently injured while attending to an automobile crash victim last Tuesday. According to authorities, the car crash took place on U.S. 35 around 5:30 a.m. The fire captain was speaking to a victim of the crash when another vehicle struck that vehicle pushing the car into him. The crash resulted in a 12-vehicle pileup. Authorities blame snow and ice for multiple crashes throughout the area.
]]> While the Dayton area fire captain's condition is currently unavailable for report, members of the fire captain's department have announced that the captain's injuries are not believed to be life threatening at this time. According to witnesses at the scene of the tragic accident, the impact of the car crash allegedly threw the captain somewhere between 20 and 30 feet. The Dayton fire captain is currently recovering from the car accident at a local area hospital.Anyone injured in a workplace accident, even if it occurs offsite, but in the course of his or her employment, is entitled to compensation. The workers compensation system is a series of laws designed to provide compensation to employees injured at work. The worker's compensation system, however, is governed by specific guidelines and procedures for recovering claims. It is vital that workers follow these rules and guidelines if the expect to recover compensation.
Source: WBSN-10 TV, "Ohio firefighter recovering after being hit by car," March 27, 2013.
In this case, the worker apparently worked for a Columbus company as an in-home healthcare provider while she was receiving temporary total benefits following an injury on the job. As these benefits are provided to workers who cannot work due to an injury, it is not permissible for an injured worker to work and receive temporary total disability benefits at the same time.
]]> The woman was ordered to pay restitution for the amount of benefits that she received while she was working. She already has paid back over $11,000.00 that she received in the form of these benefits. She also was ordered to serve six months in jail, but that time was suspended on the condition that she complete one year of community control.It is important that anyone who abuses the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation system be prosecuted as was the case in this instance. Ohio worker's compensation benefits are a crucial safety net for anyone who is injured while working. It is possible to collect monetary benefits to compensate for lost wages following an injury while on the job, whether one was at fault or not. The system also provides for reimbursement of medical expenses and access to medical treatment for all injuries or illnesses caused by one's employment. If someone is left with a permanent disability or impairment due to an injury on the job, they are entitled to seek additional benefits as well.
Source: Claims Journal, "Ohio Nurse Sentenced for Workers' Comp Fraud", March 21, 2013
]]>According to the OSHA report, the company, which produces plastic food containers, had been cited in February of 2012 for a violation involving the failure to implement hazardous energy control procedures in the plant. Since the company failed to correct the practice after the first visit, they were most recently charged with repeat violations of these protocols and placed in the severe violator enforcement program so they can be more closely monitored for compliance.
]]> Additionally, they were cited with four other serious safety violations. Although the report indicates that there is cause for concern for workplace safety in this environment, there was no mention of any workplace injuries arising from the lack of safety procedures. OSHA has proposed to levy a fine against the plastic manufacturer in the amount of $86,000 for these alleged violations. Maybe this company will think twice about placing profits over the safety of its workers in the future.If someone is injured while working - whether the result of an injury caused by a safety violation or simply during the normal course of business - they have the right to seek compensation for their injuries through the Ohio workers compensation system. These benefits are available to the injured worker regardless of whether the employer was negligent. By filing a claim for worker's compensation benefits, an injured worker may be entitled to receive lost wages due to the missed work as a result of the injury, reimbursement of medical expenses and ongoing medical treatment and compensation for any permanent impairment or disability caused by the accident.
Source: OSHA.gov, "US Labor Department's OSHA cites Berry Plastics Corp. with
6 violations at Monroeville, Ohio, plastics plant; proposes $86,000 in fines," March 12, 2013
According to the OSHA report, the company, which produces plastic food containers, had been cited in February of 2012 for a violation involving the failure to implement hazardous energy control procedures in the plant. Since the company failed to correct the practice after the first visit, they were most recently charged with repeat violations of these protocols and placed in the severe violator enforcement program so they can be more closely monitored for compliance.
]]> Additionally, they were cited with four other serious safety violations. Although the report indicates that there is cause for concern for workplace safety in this environment, there was no mention of any workplace injuries arising from the lack of safety procedures. OSHA has proposed to levy a fine against the plastic manufacturer in the amount of $86,000 for these alleged violations. Maybe this company will think twice about placing profits over the safety of its workers in the future.If someone is injured while working - whether the result of an injury caused by a safety violation or simply during the normal course of business - they have the right to seek compensation for their injuries through the Ohio workers compensation system. These benefits are available to the injured worker regardless of whether the employer was negligent. By filing a claim for worker's compensation benefits, an injured worker may be entitled to receive lost wages due to the missed work as a result of the injury, reimbursement of medical expenses and ongoing medical treatment and compensation for any permanent impairment or disability caused by the accident.
Source: OSHA.gov, "US Labor Department's OSHA cites Berry Plastics Corp. with
6 violations at Monroeville, Ohio, plastics plant; proposes $86,000 in fines," March 12, 2013
Recently, a man who was involved in a horrific job-related accident attempted to sue his employer claiming that the particular circumstances of his accident were tantamount to the employer actually intentionally trying to cause him harm. The man received a crushing injury to his right leg and ankle when a co-worker struck him with a forklift. His leg eventually required amputation. While there was ample evidence that his employer failed to protect his safety, ultimately the Court concluded that the employer did not deliberately attempt to hurt or harm the worker.
]]> Fortunately, however, the man was able to receive workers' compensation benefits. His medical bills totaled a whopping $757,845.07 which was completely paid by the workers' compensation system. Additionally, he received a substantial amount of benefits in lost wages and additional damages for his leg amputation. He also received money for the safety violations which were present and contributed to his accident.If any Ohioan is injured while working, they may be entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits. These benefits can include reimbursement of medical expenses, continuing medical care, ongoing compensation while unable to work due to an injury, and additional benefits if a permanent impairment or disability results form a work-related accident.
Source:, Cleveland.com "Injured worker lawsuit at Ohio Supreme Court spotlights deliberate-intent-to-harm standard (gallery)", Allison Grant, March 3, 2013
]]>Recently, a tragic accident occurred at a gas drilling rig in the eastern part of Ohio. The rig is owned by a subsidiary of Rex Energy Corp. According to the reports, the drilling equipment that was being used by the two workers had not been properly secured to a safety line and as such a horrific accident ensued when the injured worker fell backwards and suffered a deep wound to his head. It is not clear exactly how the other worker died.
It is likely that this accident will be investigated immediately by the Occupational Safety and Health Association. A thorough inspection will ensue and the owner of the rig could be subjected to hefty fines for any safety violations that contributed to this unfortunate accident.
]]> Fortunately, the injured worker may be able to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. Upon filing such a claim, the worker may be entitled to receive compensation for the medical treatment he received for all injuries related to the accident, compensation for lost wages if unable to work due to their injury and additional compensation if a permanent impairment or disability should result from a work related accident.The immediate family members of the deceased worker may also be able to seek death benefits on his behalf through the Ohio workers compensation system. This compensation would include reimbursement of burial and funeral expenses, as well as a lump sum payment of death benefits.
Source: coshoctontribune.com, "Worker killed in Ohio drilling accident," Feb. 27, 2013
]]>For example, some office workers may suffer greatly from carpal tunnel syndrome, which commonly develops from performing repetitive tasks on the computer. Likewise, certain factory jobs involve a great deal of repetitive motions.
]]> The group that developed the tool received an $800,000.00 grant from the National Institutes of Health as well as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The group will study over 100 hours of video of hundreds of workers and data on specific injuries. Their analysis of the videos and data could lead to a type of analysis that relies only on video recordings for injury prediction. This is an exciting development for the improvement of working conditions all around the world.In the state of Ohio, if someone is injured while working on the job, regardless of fault, he or she may seek compensation by filing a workers' compensation claim. By filing such a claim, the worker will be entitled to receive medical care for the work-related injury, as well as reimbursement for all medical expenses incurred as a result of the workplace injury.
In addition to this, the worker may also be entitled to receive additional compensation for any permanent impairment or disability caused by the work-related injury. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can assist in obtaining the maximum amount of benefits permitted by law and the best possible outcome for any individual who is the victim of a work-related accident.
Source: News.wisc.edu, "Video tool could help active workers avoid injury," Christie Taylor, Feb. 11, 2013
]]>Ohio residents should be aware that anyone who is employed by a municipality or the state has the same rights and protections as any other employee with respect to receiving worker's compensation benefits in Ohio.
]]> The report indicates that the police officer was transported St. Vincent Mercy hospital in Toledo and it appears that she will need to have surgery to repair a crack and tear of her ankle. Under the Ohio worker's compensation system, anyone who is injured on the job, regardless of fault, is entitled to receive benefits such as medical treatment in addition to monetary benefits for loss of wages due to a work-related injury.Those individuals employed in law enforcement can be placed in very dangerous situations and occasionally serious injuries and even death can occur. Filing a claim for worker's compensation can help to alleviate the financial pressures that inevitably occur when one is injured on the job. In addition to receiving benefits while being treated for an injury, one may also be entitled to additional benefits if a permanent disability or permanent impairment results from a work related injury. In the event of a death due to an accident on the job, family members may be entitled to receive death benefits as well.
The Ohio worker's compensation system can be difficult to navigate. That is why it is important to obtain as much information as possible if one is injured on the job. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can ensure that any individual who suffers an injury while working receives the maximum amount of compensation.
Source: www.sent-trib.com, "BG Officer injured in accident", February 11, 2013
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