News roundup: workplace cancers, medical costs, SC reform, ergonomics, photo of the week

April 30th, 2007 by Julie Ferguson

Workplace cancer – According to the World Health Organization, at least 200,000 workers die each year from cancers related to work exposures, such as asbestos, benzene, and second-hand smoke. Nearly half of those deaths – or 90,000 each year, are related to asbestos. Think that asbestos exposure is no longer a problem here in the U.S.? Think again.
Chlorine exposure – The Arkansas Court of Appeals reversed a denial of benefits for a city water department worker who had died after exposure to chlorine gas. Jerry Slaughter died one month after being spewed in the face by chlorine that escaped from a cracked cylinder. A doctor retained by the city suggested that his death was related to a parasitical infection commonly associated with HIV, so the state Workers’ Compensation Commission found that chemical exposure was “but one factor” contributing to Slaughter’s death, not the major cause. The Appeals Court found Slaughter’s treating physician to be compelling and sided with his opinion that the exposure was “the major precipitation event.”
Implants and pharma costs – Joe Paduda has a few interesting posts related to cost items that can add to a claim’s medical bill. First, he looks at the often all-too-cozy relationship between physicians and big pharma. In another post, he suggest taking another look at the invoice for implants used in spine surgery, bone and joint surgery. The price tag can be hefty – adding 11-33% to hospital bills in California.
South Carolina – does it seem like workers comp reform in South Carolina has been in the offing for an awfully long time? In the light of a recent NCCI recommendation that the loss cost level be increased by 23.7 percent, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America is speaking out.
Shavers cramp – as the nature of the work we do changes, so do the risks. Jobs have changed considerably since 1923. Check out some of the occupational ergonomic maladies of yesteryear. (Thanks to Ergonomics in the News for the pointer.)
Photo of the week – from the Naval Safety Center – Eyewash Yikes and Eyewash Yuk.

Tags: , , , ,