workers’ compensation News

Emergency Order Allows Oil Wells to Shut Down in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved an emergency order on April 22 that allows oil producers to stop or reduce production without losing their leases for non-production. The three-member, all-Republican panel that regulates the oil and gas industry in Oklahoma issued …

5,000 Meat, Food Plant Workers Exposed to Coronavirus, Union Says

More than 5,000 U.S. meat and food-processing workers have been infected with or exposed to the new coronavirus, and 13 have died, the country’s largest meatpacking union said on Thursday. The statistics reflect how the contagious respiratory illness has spread …

Travelers, W.R. Berkley CEOs Sound Alarm Over Coronavirus Lawsuits, Workers’ Comp

During an earnings conference call Tuesday, the leader of Travelers insurance alerted listeners to the possibility that frivolous lawsuits by plaintiffs lawyers could slow down the economic recovery from COVID-19 shutdowns. Alan Schnitzer, whose company reported net income of $600 …

Analysis: It’s Not the Whole Texas Economy, But Energy Is a Critical Piece

If it lasts, this week’s plunge in oil prices could hit the Texas economy in ways that make it much harder for state and local governments to help the state’s residents. It’s part of a double whammy on the state …

Despite Virus Outbreak, Midwest States Work to Keep Meat Plants Open

Governors in the Midwest are working to keep large meatpacking plants operating despite coronavirus outbreaks that have sickened hundreds of workers and threaten to disrupt the nation’s supply of pork and beef. In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly sent personal protective …

Travelers Sees Q1 Profit Fall From Storms; It’s Watching COVID-19 Workers’ Comp Claims

Property and casualty insurer Travelers Cos. Inc. reported a 25% drop in quarterly profit on Tuesday and warned that potential claims tied to compensation coverage for furloughed and laid-off employees would hit results for the year. The coronavirus pandemic has …

Iowa Beef Plant Reopens After 177 Workers Test Positive for Virus

An Iowa beef processing plant that was idled after a coronavirus outbreak resumed production Monday, one day after the state said 177 workers there have tested positive. The Iowa Premium plant in Tama, owned by National Beef, had suspended production …

States Easing Path to Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Coronavirus Workers

Sympathetic state lawmakers and regulators in states both red and blue promise to make COVID-19 a major cost driver for workers’ compensation insurers. The governors of Kentucky, Arkansas, North Dakota and Florida and state regulators in Illinois, Washington, Michigan and …

California State Fund to Accept All Essential Worker COVID Claims; Adds to Safety Fund

California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund on Monday announced another series of actions designed to support policyholders and workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis, including doubling the size of its newly announced Essential Business Support Fund announced earlier this week to …

Positive Tests Mount After Virus Outbreak at North Dakota Wind Turbine Plant

A coronavirus outbreak at a northeastern North Dakota wind turbine plant has ballooned to 110 cases in early testing and one city official said he expects a “prolonged battle” to control the spread. An uptick in cases at the LM …