Five Things You Need to Know: 10/25, Thursday Edition

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) -

1) Walmart Pledges Millions to Help with Workforce Development

Retail and grocery giant Walmart has pledged $4 million recently to help workers on their pathways to accreditation and training improvements, writes Caitlin Reilly of Inside Philanthropy. “…About $2.4 million will go to the Foundation for California Community Colleges to launch an online service aimed at adult learners. Another $1 million will go to edX for its ‘Micro Bachelors’ program, a series of courses aimed at teaching skills useful in the workplace,” per the article. This is all a part of Walmart’s big push with $100-million worth of backing in a five-year program to improve career paths for its employees. The program spans out five years, and more than $80 million has been spent. “…PayScale, a leader in analyzing worker compensation, estimates that average pay for employees at Walmart stores is $12 an hour. That is well above the minimum wage, but still not enough for the company’s workers to afford housing in large swaths of the U.S.”

2) OH: New Pilot Program Expected to Aid Employers in Hiring Workers Recovering from Opioid Addiction

A new Montgomery County, OH pilot program is underway, aiming to aid in the local opioid abuse battle, writes Gabi Warwick of ABC 22 Now. Dubbed “The Opioid Safety pilot program,” the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will donate as much as $5 million to help local areas take on workers involved in opioid addiction recovery. The program will “…give employers reimbursement for pre-employment, random and reasonable suspicion drug testing, training for management-level employees to help them better manage a staff that includes people in recovery and a chance for ‘second-chance’ employers to share success stories and learn from each other,” per the article.

3) TX: Alleged Slip-and-Fall Incident on a Ship Leads to Lawsuit Against Vessel Owners

Galveston resident Dion Windsor, employed as a “marine surveyor,” has filed a lawsuit against Harbor Offshore Marine, Inc.; Petrocare Marine Consultants, Inc.; and Maran Tankers Management, Inc. Windsor alleges he fell on the OSV Excalibur ship while transferring from another vessel basket on “rough seas,” writes John Suayan of the Southeast Texas record. “…He says that he fell several feet and sustained injuries to his back, spine, and general body,” and requests “unspecified monetary damages.”

4) WV: Transportation Co. Sued After Alleged Negligence Causes Vehicle Crash

JCS Trucking and business owner Jonathan R. Sander have filed a lawsuit against Butler Transport Inc. of Kansas City, Kansas, and Kevin Morrow, alleging “…Sander's 1999 Kenworth vehicle was involved in a multi-vehicle crash accident on Interstate Highway 64 in Putnam County due to the defendants' negligence,” writes Philip Gonzales of the West Virginia Record. “Downtime losses” for Sander/JCS were reported at $47,082.72. That amount, along with trial-by-jury, interest, court costs, and any other relief are requested.

5) Inspiring Invictus Games Are Underway in Australia

The Invictus Games involve a series of competitions for servicemembers injured on the job, writes Anna Mendoza of BuzzFeed News. Inspired and created by Prince Henry, the latest competition is underway this week in Sydney, Australia. 18 nations are expected to be involved this go-around. Jarrod Kent, of the Australian Team will participate in “…powerlifting, swimming, track and field, shot put and discus.” He was in the army for seven years. Another Australian competitor, Rye Shawcraft, who also served in the army, will participate in “…wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.” He told the media outlet, "…Seeing the guys out on the court today, they’re the ones that really inspire me and keep me going. It’s a whole team effort."

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