Russell Chatwood, our riskmeister from New Zealand (… or as some have put it “down under the Down Under”) is our host for this week’s edition of the 128th Cavalcade of Risk. It’s a substantive issue — and don’t miss the oddball features.
System spillover – In a recent column in Risk & Insurance, Peter Rousmaniere takes a look at workers’ comp and finds leaks in the system. He talks about how many nonoccupational disability and health problems find their way into the comp system, while many work injuries leave the work comp system to roost elsewhere.
Federal shutdown? – If tomorrow brings a government shutdown, the Federal Times reports that some 800,000 federal employees will be furloughed, and discusses the likely impact. Federal Times is a news and information service for Federal Managers, so might be a good source to follow along if worse comes to worst. Related: CNN also has a government shutdown FAQ.
One year later – EHS Today takes a look back at the Big Branch mining disaster on the one year anniversary. Reporter Ken Ward of the WV Gazette raises the questions that linger about Massey’s mine disaster on his Coal Tattoo blog, and points us to a tribute to the miners composed by one of his colleagues. Also see Faces of the Mine, a moving community-driven, interactive memorial for those affected by the Upper Big Branch mine disaster.
Rhabdomyolysis & athletes – If athletes are among your employees, you may want to note that the recent post about rhabdomyolysis that ran in the L.A. Times health blog, Booster Shots. This is a type of overexertion illness in which muscle tissue is so overworked it breaks down and floods the bloodstream with a protein that can impair kidney function.
Medicare: FAQs on ACOs – the folks at HealthLawProf Blog have compiled some good resources on Accountable Care Organizations: Your ACO Primer Links and Getting up to speed on ACOs.
Lights, camera, action… – Bet you thought our item about a sitcom called Workers Comp was an early April Fool’s joke … nope, here is a news update: ‘Sopranos’ actor added to cast of Bradenton-shot TV show. The show is described as a “comedy about zany employees dealing with weird insurance claims.” Get your popcorn ready.
Briefs from the Blogosphere
- Feds investigate Illinois state agencies for fraud
- Drug cost inflation – it’s getting bad
- Top 25 Property/Casualty Insurance Writers
- 5 recent work comp cases you should know about
- How much time do you have to produce OSHA Logs for an OSHA inspector
- Health Risk Appraisals: Are you maximizing their potential?
- Insurance issues for the rich and famous
Tags: athletes, Upper Big Branch Mine