Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the award of the first $22 million of a total of $90 million in funding to help nine organizations provide training and employment services for job seekers in historically marginalized communities as the economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic’s impacts. The department’s Employment and Training Administration awarded… [Read more]
Work Force & Human Resource News
Cal/OSHA Encourages Employers and Workers to Follow Updated CDPH Mask Guidance
Oakland, CA – In addition to the requirements of the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) and as a best practice, Cal/OSHA recently encouraged employers and workers to follow the recent update from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommending that all individuals wear face coverings while indoors regardless of vaccination status. CDPH recently updated… [Read more]
WA Man Who Faked On-the-Job Injury Pleads Guilty in Workers’ Comp Scam
Olympia, WA – A Thurston County man who tried to pass off a barroom brawl injury as a workplace accident recently pleaded guilty to stealing state workers’ compensation insurance benefits. Chuck Wayne Riccio of Yelm, pleaded guilty to third-degree theft, a gross misdemeanor offense. Thurston County Superior Court Judge Sharonda Amamilo ordered Riccio to pay… [Read more]
NSC Issues Statement on Employers’ Role Following Full FDA Approval of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council recently noted that it is pleased to see the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine receive full approval from the FDA and believes this action provides employers with the reassurance they need to play an essential role in advancing vaccination against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are the clearest route to ensuring worker… [Read more]
US DOJ Files Suit to Stop Utah Physician from Issuing Opioid and Other Scripts
Salt Lake City, UT – A federal judge recently entered a preliminary injunction barring a Utah physician from issuing prescriptions for controlled substances during the pendency of a civil enforcement action filed by the government. In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, the government alleges that Dr. Sean Ponce,… [Read more]
Ohio Massage Parlor Owner Among Those Pleading Guilty to Workers’ Comp Fraud
Columbus, OH – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) recently announced multiple guilty pleas in separate cases that were under investigation by its Special Investigations Department. Robert Swartz, dba Bamboo Relaxing Massage The SID received an allegation from the Ohio Investigative Unit regarding Robert Swartz, owner of Bamboo Relaxing Massage. Swartz came under scrutiny… [Read more]
NSC Announces Finalists for 2021 Green Cross for Safety Awards
Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council recently announced the finalists for the 2021 Green Cross for Safety® awards, presented annually to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership in keeping people safe on and off the job. “I am inspired by this year’s Green Cross for Safety award finalists’ unwavering commitment to safety,” said… [Read more]
IL Woman Indicted for Stealing Federal Workers’ Comp, Disability Benefits
Boston, MA – A Norwood woman was recently arrested in connection with fraudulently receiving federal workers’ compensation benefits and disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Karen Nolan was indicted on two counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements. Nolan made an initial appearance before U.S. District Court… [Read more]
Sheakley Launches PARTNERLINK Gratitude Reward Program
Cincinnati, OH – HR and Workers Comp Risk Management outsourcing firm Sheakley Group, Inc, recently announced the launch of PartnerLink, its partnership program set to reward partners for continuing their commitment to Sheakley and the community. David Massey, Sheakley’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Growth, commented, “In times like these, Sheakley has had a chance… [Read more]
NCCI Releases New Insights Report: Is There a Labor Shortage?
Boca Raton, FL – NCCI recently released additional insights from its Q2 2021 Quarterly Economics Briefing with a report titled “Is there a Labor Shortage?” During the second quarter of 2021, many businesses accelerated their return to full operation, meeting a rebound in discretionary spending that resulted in part from the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and… [Read more]