Salem, OR – A scholarship fund that helps finance higher education for family members of Oregon workers who have been fatally injured or permanently disabled on the job is open for applications, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has announced. The Workers’ Memorial Scholarship awards are available to any high school graduate,… [Read more]
Work Force & Human Resource News
BETA Healthcare Group Signs Alliance Agreement with Cal/OSHA
Alamo, CA – BETA Healthcare Group (BETA) recently announced that it has entered into an Alliance Agreement with Cal/OSHA in which the two organizations will partner in training opportunities and the creation of safety materials that will advance employee and workplace safety in California. A formal signing ceremony was held on October 17, 2023, at… [Read more]
Judge Finds NH Roofing Contractor Not Credible, Personally Liable for $162k in OSHA Penalties
Boston, MA – A federal administrative law judge recently determined that New Hampshire general contractor Barry Billcliff, doing business as Merrimack Valley Roofing and under other alleged business names, willfully exposed his employees to fall safety hazards and held him personally liable for more than $160,000 in penalties and attorneys’ fees. The action follows an… [Read more]
NY Man Charged for Obstructing Investigation into Fatal Construction Incident
Washington, DC – A federal grand jury recently indicted Richard Zagger of Blue Point, New York, charging him with conspiracy and obstruction of official proceedings relating to an investigation into a fatal construction accident. The four-count indictment alleges that Zagger was a supervisor for Northridge Construction Corporation, located in East Patchogue, Long Island, New York.… [Read more]
FL Man Gets 30 Months In Federal Prison for Tax Fraud, Evading Workers’ Comp Premiums
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger recently sentenced Wendel Algarin to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Algarin had pleaded guilty on August 15, 2023. According to court documents, between 2012 and 2019, Algarin operated a scheme to assist various subcontractors in the evasion… [Read more]
Safety National Webinar: The Hazards and Human Factors of Slips, Trips, and Falls
St. Louis, MO – Safety National recently announced a new complimentary webinar, noting that slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims, while also accounting for one of the top causes of liability losses for businesses. Whether it’s an icy walkway, inadequate lighting, or rushing to get the job done, these… [Read more]
ASSP Announces Updated Safety Standard for Communication Structures
Park Ridge, IL – The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has published a revision to a voluntary national consensus safety standard that involves communication structures, which can present many risks for workers across the country. The updated ANSI/ASSP A10.48 standard will be effective on Jan. 1, covering the latest safety practices and training recommendations… [Read more]
FL Man Gets Federal Prison for Role in Construction-Related Wire Fraud Conspiracy
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday recently sentenced Ramon Paz to 33 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $500,731, the proceeds of the wire-fraud conspiracy. Paz had pleaded guilty on February 8, 2023. According to court… [Read more]
FL Pharmacy Agrees to Pay $800,000 to Resolve Claims of False Billing
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg recently announced that 4 Corners Pharmacy, located in Spring Hill, Florida, has agreed to pay $800,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing the U.S. Department of Labor for a compound supplement that was either not ordered by a licensed… [Read more]
Idaho Woman Found Guilty of Felony Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Boise, ID – The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) recently announced that Alene Bako of Boise, Idaho was sentenced in Ada County for two counts of felony insurance fraud. Ms. Bako pled guilty in August 2023; her sentencing was held October 27, 2023. Between 2018-2020, the Idaho Department of Insurance received multiple referrals regarding Ms.… [Read more]