Major Workplace Explosion in Esparto Sparks California Safety Review

Major Workplace Explosion in Esparto Sparks California Safety Review

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August 13, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com — A catastrophic explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, California, on July 1 claimed the lives of seven workers and caused significant damage to nearby homes and businesses. The incident has triggered urgent intervention by state regulators and intensified scrutiny of workplace safety practices in high-risk […]

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Surge in Long COVID Independent Medical Reviews Signals Cost Shift

Surge in Long COVID Independent Medical Reviews Signals Cost Shift

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August 11, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com — Long COVID independent medical reviews are increasingly dominated by Long COVID claims, according to new data from the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI). Although these claims represent just 4.7% of COVID-related cases, they account for over 80% of medical treatment payments, underscoring a seismic shift in chronic

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DWC UR Rule Proposal Rejected by OAL, Revision Underway

DWC UR Rule Proposal Rejected by OAL, Revision Underway

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August 8, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — DWC utilization review regulations suffered a major setback when the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) disapproved the California Division of Workers’ Compensation’s proposed updates on July 22, citing procedural flaws, regulatory ambiguity, and formatting issues. DWC now has a 120‑day window to revise and resubmit the rules ahead

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WCIRB Reports: Losses Rise Despite Fewer Workers’ Comp Claims

WCIRB Reports: Losses Rise Despite Fewer Workers’ Comp Claims

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August 6, 2025 | San Francisco, CA – MedLegalNews.com — The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) has released its latest findings for 2025, revealing a paradox in the state’s workers’ compensation system: while the total number of claims has declined, total insurer losses have continued to rise—driven by increased medical costs and

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Insurance Commissioner Warns of Rising Workers’ Comp Costs

Insurance Commissioner Warns of Rising Workers’ Comp Costs

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August 4, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com — California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has issued a formal warning to state lawmakers regarding the rising financial pressure tied to workers’ compensation costs. The statement, released alongside an official bulletin, outlines an 8.7% increase in advisory premium rates, citing elevated medical treatment expenses and longer claim

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Fall Protection Rule Tightened for Roofers and Framers in 2025

Fall Protection Rule Tightened for Roofers and Framers in 2025

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August 1, 2025 | Oakland, CA – MedLegalNews.com– California has officially lowered the height threshold for mandatory fall protection on residential construction sites, according to new Cal/OSHA regulations taking effect this month. The updated fall protection rule requires roofing and framing contractors to provide fall protection equipment when workers are exposed to elevations of six

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Audit Uncovers Critical Gaps in Cal/OSHA Workforce

Audit Uncovers Critical Gaps in Cal/OSHA Workforce

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July 31, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com – California’s chief workplace safety agency is struggling with severe personnel shortages, according to a new audit that puts Cal/OSHA staffing shortages at the center of delayed investigations and enforcement gaps. The audit, released by a state oversight body, found that nearly one-third of the agency’s positions

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Newsom’s 2025 Workers’ Memorial Day Proclamation Strengthens Safety Culture

Newsom’s 2025 Workers’ Memorial Day Proclamation Strengthens Safety Culture

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July 28, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com – As California moves through a summer marked by rising workplace safety risks—particularly heat illness and wildfire exposure—state leaders and safety advocates are revisiting the 2025 Workers’ Memorial Day proclamation issued by Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this year. Observed annually on April 28, Memorial Day serves not

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Reaching Every Californian Campaign Relaunched to Combat Wage Theft

Reaching Every Californian Campaign Relaunched to Combat Wage Theft

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July 25, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com – The California Department of Industrial Relations has relaunched its Reaching Every Californian campaign, a statewide effort aimed at educating workers about their rights and preventing wage theft. This renewed push focuses on delivering multilingual workplace rights information and enhancing outreach in underserved communities. Originally launched in

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Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grants Extended for Second Year

Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grants Extended for Second Year

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July 23, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com – The California Labor Commissioner’s Office has officially extended the workers rights enforcement grants program into its second year, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable workers. With $8.55 million allocated for this phase, the initiative continues to empower nonprofit and legal aid organizations in educating and defending

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