Five Things You Need to Know: 7/25, Wednesday Edition

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) -

1) Several CA Dining Establishments in Hot Water for Lack of Work Comp Coverage

Nine Contra Costa County restaurants have been penalized for lack of comp coverage, writes Aaron Davis of the East Bay Times. In conjunction with multiple local authorities, a lack of response to warning letters led to surprise inspections of the nine employers. “…The nine restaurants employed a total of 55 people not covered by company insurance in case they got injured on the job,” and the charges amounted to an excess of $200,000, per the article. Three of the restaurants were Meson Azteca in Pleasant Hill, New Lim’s Garden in Concord and Dragon City Restaurant in Brentwood.

2) ID Looks to Challenge Opioid Crisis with Local Response Plan

The Treasure Valley Opioid Crisis Response Strategic Plan has been initiated in several Idaho cities, in efforts to decrease opioid use and opioid-related deaths with utilization of community options, education and “enforcement-assisted” elements, writes Joe Parris of KTVB. “…The (Boise) mayor (Dave Bieter) explained that In Boise for example, in 2013 there was one opioid death reported, but by 2017 that number increased to 96,” per the article. The response plan came to be after 60 community members came together to brainstorm how to aid in battling opioid overuse. “…The planning effort is sponsored by the treasure valley partnership, a coalition of mayors and commissioners from Ada, Canyon, and Owyhee counties, including 14 cities in southwest Idaho,” writes Parris.

3) Australian Toyota Employee to Receive Large Award after Witnessing Alleged Inappropriate Behavior at Work

An Australian Toyota paint shop employee will see almost $70K in compensation, as the Fair Work Commission has ruled he was fired under wrong circumstances, writes Dominic Powell of Smart Company Australia. The employee was accused of paying special attention and granting requests due to a personal relationship, and spending time with another in a dark room for longer periods of time. But, according to records, both allegations had been dismissed. He had worked at the company for almost three decades before he was dismissed, and the Commission ruled not enough evidence existed for the termination to occur due to the allegations.

4) HI: New Controller Hired at ProService

HR company ProService Hawaii, which specializes in services related to health benefits, insurance, and work comp management, has hired Gary Co as its controller, according to Big Island Now. Co, an accountant for more than 20 years, has experience in finance management for companies including Hawaiian Airlines and GETCO Asia Limited. ProService offers management aid to more than 2,000 local employers, with 35,000 employees.

5) IN: Trucking Insurer Partners with Transportation Underwriter for Work Comp Services

“…Protective Insurance Co., a property-casualty insurer specializing in trucking and workers’ compensation, has partnered with AmWINS Transportation Underwriters (ATU) to offer a program to support for-hire commercial trucking fleets with up to 24 trucks beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018,” according to Insurance Journal. Coverage is available for trucking crews, work comp, and independent contractors. Protective is headquartered in IN, while AmWINS is housed in NC.

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