We’re delighted to see that the numbers of business weblogs keep increasing. In particular, we are happy to see new bloggers cropping up in the workers comp, risk managment, and labor relations area. Here are a few “neighbors” we’ve added to our blog list:
Managed Care Matters is a blog by Joseph Paduda that focuses on managed care, covering health-care cost containment, health policy, health research, and medical news. His most recent post points out that health care costs are back on the rise again.
Risk Noodle is a weblog by Jim Paugh covering a varietyof risk-related topics. Jim was a principal at Lynch Ryan for many years so we are happy to give him a plug – he helped us to build many of the systems and programs that are still being successfully implemented at employer worksites today.
RiskProf is a weblog of Martin Grace, a professor of Risk Management and Insurance at Georgia State University. His weblog discusses liability law and economics, plus occasional other subjects.
Workplace Fairness is written by Paula Brantner, Program Director of Workplace Fairness, focusing on legal and political information relevant to employee rights and fairness issues in the workplace.
What’s an actuary? is the blog of Atlanta-based Alberto Dominguez who works in the actuarial and benefits consulting field.
Oregon Labor and Employment Law is the weblog of Oregan law firm Bennett Hartman, covering topics in labor, employment and public pension law.
Archive for December, 2004
Florida uninsured employer jailed for fraud after two deaths
Wednesday, December 1st, 2004In August, we wrote about a terrible construction accident in Florida that claimed two lives. Five other workers, including a 13-year old boy, were injured when a roof collapsed as concrete was being poured. A $2.4 million fine was imposed, and state authorities subsequently shut down the contractor when it was learned that the company did not carry mandatory workers compensation insurance.
Last week, the owner of Macs Construction and Concrete Inc. was jailed. Insurance Journal reports that failure to provide workers compensation coverage is a felony and, if convicted, the employer faces up to five years in prison.
“When workers show up to perform a job, they deserve to be protected in case they get injured. This terrible accident is a perfect example of why workers’ compensation is so important,” said Gallagher, who oversees DFS. “Employers who don’t protect their workers will be held accountable.”
In addition to the obvious and terrible toll that employees face when employers lack coverage, other employers pay the price as well. Competitors face unfair competition, and insured employers generally face higher premiums to cover state costs for any benefits provided to workers.
Jordan Barab at Confined Space also discusses this story. He notes the irony that the charges against the employer stem from lack of insurance rather than the unsafe practices that caused the deaths of the workers.
Related items:
Felony for willful safety violations – legislation gaining traction?.
Jobs that lure Mexican workers to the U.S. are killing them
More on immigrant workers
