Washington, DC – The Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration this week released its annual survey results revealing the United States is facing mental health and substance use epidemics. Findings from the survey show about one in four adults in the U.S. had a mental illness in 2021, and more… [Read more]
Work Force & Human Resource News
NIOSH Launches New Crowdsourcing Competition to Improve Respirator Fit Evaluations
Washington, DC – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) launched its latest crowdsourcing competition, the Respirator Fit Evaluation Challenge. This multi-phase prize challenge offers $350,000 in total prize money for novel solutions to improve respirator fit testing practices. The Challenge is a collaboration between NIOSH, Capital Consulting Corporation, and the National Aeronautics… [Read more]
WA L&I: Apprenticeship Training Connected With Safer Workplaces, Fewer Injuries
Tumwater, WA – Apprenticeship programs result in safer workers. That’s the conclusion of a first-of-its-kind study by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). As apprenticeship programs continue to grow, they could reduce serious worker injuries and workers’ compensation claims. “Apprentices are safer because they’re learning all the proper techniques,” said Peter Guzman,… [Read more]
Former NY Bus Driver Sentenced for Committing Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Buffalo, NY – Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn recently announced that Antoinette Laney of Kenmore was sentenced yesterday morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to 5 years of probation. After claiming that she was unable to perform work as a bus driver while employed by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA),… [Read more]
NSC Statement on BLS CFOI Report for 2021: “Devastating” Fatality Increase
Washington, DC – The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its annual report on fatal occupational injuries for 2021, and the results reveal a devastating increase of 8.9% from 2020. In 2020, there were 4,764 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States. In 2021, there were 5,190. Data show a fatal occupational injury… [Read more]
WA Construction Framer Fined Almost $400K for Breaking Same Rules for 16th Time
Tumwater, WA – A Snohomish County construction company owner is facing nearly $400,000 in fines for allowing crew members to work more than 26 feet above the ground without fall protection—the same violation he’s been cited and fined for 15 times in the past. When Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) inspectors arrived… [Read more]
Ohio Window Washer Found Actively Working While Receiving Over $34k in BWC Benefits
Columbus, OH – A Franklin County man pleaded guilty to one count of workers’ compensation fraud while receiving over $34,000 in benefits from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Donald Roth pleaded guilty to the fifth-degree felony on Nov. 17, 2022, in a Franklin County courtroom. The judge ordered Roth to pay the outstanding… [Read more]
CT Man Charged with Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Rocky Hill, CT – A South Windsor man has been arrested and charged with illegally collecting Workers’ Compensation benefits in the amount of $16,239.17 during his employment as a correction officer with the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. Michael McLeod of South Windsor was arrested by Inspectors from the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Control Unit… [Read more]
WA Roofing Contractor Accused of Faking Injury in $54k Workers’ Comp Scam
Tumwater, WA – A Pierce County man who claimed his on-the-job injury was so severe he could no longer work as a roofer has been charged with stealing more than $54,000 in benefits from the state workers’ compensation system. Workers’ compensation funds are meant to help injured workers by partially replacing lost wages and covering… [Read more]
WV Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Tax Crime, Evading Workers’ Comp
Charleston, WV – The US Attorney’s Office has announced that Christopher Daniels of Parkersburg was recently sentenced to one year in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, for filing a false federal income tax return. Daniels previously paid the $280,088 in ordered restitution. He was also ordered to pay a $75,000… [Read more]