|
HOT TOPIC
Is the Flu Compensable Under Workers Comp?
With the advent of the novel influenza A (H1N1)
“swine flu” virus, employers are particularly aware
of the need for preventive measures and their
potential liability for exposures that may occur at
work. According to John Coppelman, owner of Lynch,
Ryan & Associates, sponsor of the Workers Comp
Insider website, a worker with the flu may be
eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if
certain requirements are met:
- The individual must be “in the course and scope of
employment” when exposed to the virus
- The exposure must arise out of work (as opposed to
being a random event)
- Work itself must put the person in harm’s way
For example, Mr. Coppelman said if an employee with
the flu comes to work and exposes co-workers in an
enclosed area to the virus, then those workers might
make a case that the illness is work related. |
|
|
WCORHA UPDATE
New for 2010
There will be an OSHA 300 Log
course on Friday, January 8, 2010 from 9:00am to
11:00am for organizations in the northern WCORHA
region. A course will be conducted for organizations
located in the southern WCORHA region in February.
Information concerning the date and time of this
course will be in the January WCORHA eNewsletter.
These courses will cover any changes and updates
that will be instituted in 2010. For more
information, please contact Dan Schroeder at
419-226-9851 or Ami Boley at 419-584-0398.
Reservations are required.
As many of you are aware, WCORHA has recently
launched our new Risk Management program: WORKSITE
SAFETY SOLUTIONS. This
web-based service is being made available through
WCORHA to assist you with your safety
and loss control needs. Components include:
- Certificates of Insurance (COI) Tracking Program
- Incidents and Claim Tracking Program
- Training/ Certification Tracking Program
- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA’s) and Position
Description Builder
- A robust library of
HR materials
|
|
|
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE UPDATE
Business Advisory Councils
WCORHA recently formed Business Advisory Councils in
both the Northern and Southern regions. The goal of
these councils is to obtain input from area
businesses and industries about how WCORHA can help
with their employee health and safety issues.
Feedback from employers related to specific issues
and topics that need to be addressed in their
workplace, or from their healthcare providers, is
a critical factor in WCORHA being able to meet current
and future Occupational Health needs.
The first council meetings were well attended by
area business representatives. If you are interested
in joining one of these councils, please call Dan
Schroeder at 419-226-9851 or Ami Boley at
419-584-0398.
Thank you for your continued support of the WCORHA
Occupational Health providers in the region, as we
continue to work together to improve and maintain
the health and safety of your employees.
|
|
|
OSHA UPDATE
Fire Exits and Extinguishers
Every workplace must have
enough exits suitably located to enable everyone to
get out of the facility quickly. Considerations
include the type of structure, the number of persons
exposed, the fire protection available, the type of
industry involved, and the height and type of the
construction of the building or structure. In
addition, fire doors must not be blocked or locked
when employees are inside. Delayed opening of the
fire doors, however, is permitted when an approved
alarm system is integrated into the fire door
design. Exit routes from buildings must free of
obstructions and properly marked with exit signs.
OSHA does not mandate employers to provide portable
fire extinguishers. If you do supply portable fire
extinguishers, OSHA mandates an establishment of an
educational program to familiarize your workers with
the general principles of fire extinguisher use. If
you expect your workers to use portable fire
extinguishers, you must provide hands-on training in
using the equipment. |
 |
