It came in the mail this morning. It was an anonymous note, explaining that the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services “Proof of Coverage Search” system was used to identify and locate businesses, within Oregon, that have an active workers' compensation insurance policy with SAIF Corporation. The note emphasized that this is publicly available…
Wearables and Workers' Comp, or How Did Kevin Connors Birthday Get on My Smart Watch?
During a session at the CCWC Conference in Anaheim, CA earlier in the month, one of the presenters said something that struck a chord with me. It was the final session of this year's annual conference, and several high level executives were discussing the future of workers' compensation. Corvel Chairman & CEO Gordon Clemons was…
Was John Plotkin Doomed the Day He Started at SAIF?
As the saga of John Plotkin’s abrupt and improper termination drags on, thousands of SAIF documents continue to shed light on the story as well as raise more questions about how and why it even occurred. Plotkin was terminated after just 3 months as SAIF CEO based on what are now largely known as false…
Banning the Home Based Workplace Jumping Jack
A California appeals court recently ruled in favor of a correctional officer who had filed a claim for workers' compensation. His injury? He was hurt while doing jumping jacks at home. The man from Butte County claimed that he was required to maintain his physical readiness as part of his position, and that the employer…
Robber Sues Restaurant and Police For On The Job Injuries
A man serving 15 years in prison for robbery is suing the same Delaware pizza place that he tried to rob. Nigel Sykes, 23, has filed a lawsuit against Seasons Pizza of Wilmington, Delaware, as well as the police officers who arrested him four years ago, claiming he was assaulted and injured during the robbery.…
California Cost Containment Strategy #23 – Kill All the Claimants (Alternate Title – Dead Men Abuse No Drugs)
The Medical Board of California has established a Prescribing Task Force dedicated to producing revised Pain Management Guidelines, and their initial work has been released for public comment prior to final adoption. I am not sure what they hoped to accomplish, but it appears to be a damn fine effort at controlling workers' compensation costs.…
Governor Kitzhaber, When Exactly is a Good a Time to Get Involved at SAIF?
Dear Governor Kitzhaber, Sorry to bother you again. I had the opportunity Friday evening to watch the debate you participated in with your opponent, Dennis Richardson, earlier that day. I had a few observations, and some follow up questions for you. First, I was greatly relieved to learn that you actually are aware of SAIF,…
Chopping Workers' Comp Head Off at CCWC
The national bloggers panel at the California Coalition of Workers’ Compensation Annual Conference, held in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, appears to have been a success. At least no one threw anything at us, and that is the stringent criteria I use to classify an appearance as a smashing success. I and my fellow panelists, David…
MSA Insurance is Coming to Workers' Comp
I had an interesting discussion yesterday with a person who is in the know regarding the MSA industry, and they told me of a pretty unique concept about to be launched. I have it on good authority that one of the larger MSP Compliance firms will be rolling out an available insurance component for MSA’s…
Oregon Gubernatorial Debate is Opportunity for SAIF Employees
The first Oregon gubernatorial debate is being held in Salem this Friday, the 18th of July. It will not be open to the public, but it will be broadcast throughout the state. No one can say for sure, but this may be an excellent opportunity for SAIF employees unhappy with the termination of CEO John…