Overview of Bird Flu Cases in the Workplace December 27, 2024 – The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is urging California’s workers’ compensation community to remain vigilant for occupational cases of bird flu. Recent cases have been detected among dairy farmworkers in California, while similar outbreaks have been reported in commercial poultry workers across other […]
December 27, 2024 – California Health Care Legislative Update: Governor Gavin Newsom signed more than 1,300 bills and vetoed nearly 190 during 2024. As in prior years, California’s legislative actions have introduced significant changes to the health care sector. These reforms—ranging from regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) to health plans and providers—demand proactive efforts to
California Health Care Legislative Update: Winter 2024 Read Post »
December 20, 2024 – The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has unanimously voted to adopt a permanent standard on silica hazards, prioritizing worker safety in industries prone to silica exposure, particularly those working with artificial stone. Protecting Workers from Silica Hazards This decision underscores the urgent need to safeguard workers who fabricate countertops
CA Standards Board Votes to Adopt Permanent Standard on Silica Hazards Read Post »
December 20, 2024 – Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has reappointed several key members to the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA) Board of Governors, further emphasizing the California Department of Insurance’s commitment to protecting consumers. Key Reappointments to Strengthen CIGA Leadership To enhance leadership, Commissioner Lara announced the reappointments of Richard de la Mora, Jennifer Schnittjer,
CA Commissioner Lara Announces Reappointments to CIGA Board of Governors Read Post »
December 17, 2024 —The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has imposed $563,250 in penalties on Harbor Animal Services Center in San Pedro, California. This significant citation stems from the employer’s failure to address overcrowding at the shelter, which directly led to multiple employee injuries, including a severe mauling incident on May 31,
December 16, 2024 — In a developing case of insurance fraud, authorities brought Hazel Ortega, CEO of one of California’s largest vocational return-to-work counseling centers, to court to face 23 felony charges. The charges include insurance fraud, theft, and forgery, stemming from allegations that she defrauded at least four insurance companies. Allegations in Vocational CEO
CA Vocational CEO Appears in Court on 23 Charges of Insurance Fraud Read Post »
December 16, 2024 — In a decisive case highlighting the ongoing challenges of workers’ compensation insurance fraud, authorities sentenced Gustavo Cisneros for defrauding his employer and their insurance company out of more than $70,000. The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit announced that Cisneros pled no contest to felony insurance fraud. Sentencing and
CA Man Sentenced for Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud Read Post »
Sacramento—A Landmark Enforcement Action December 13, 2024 – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has imposed $276,425 in penalties on Parkwood Landscape Maintenance in Van Nuys, California, for deliberate violations of heat illness prevention regulations. This action marks the first citation for a serious willful heat violation, underscoring the state’s commitment to
Cal/OSHA Issues $276,425 Penalty for Willful Heat Violation Read Post »
Sacramento—A Historic Fine for Worker Recall Law Breaches December 13, 2024 – The Maybourne Beverly Hills, a renowned luxury resort, faces a $4.4 million penalty from the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) for violating the state’s Worker Recall Law. This law requires hospitality employers to prioritize rehiring employees laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
Maybourne Beverly Hills Cited $4.4 Million for Worker Recall Law Violations Read Post »
December 13, 2024 – Applicant credibility plays a crucial role in both the success of a Workers’ Compensation claim and the Qualified Medical Evaluator’s (QME) ability to provide an accurate, well-supported medical opinion. A truthful and consistent narrative allows the QME to conduct a thorough and impartial evaluation, ensuring reliable conclusions. Industrial causation depends on
Applicant Credibility in California Workers’ Compensation Cases Read Post »
