Monthly Archives: <span>March 2011</span>

Chicago-area Contractor Fined $123K for Lack of Cave-In Protection

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued A. Lamp Concrete Contractors Inc., a road building contractor in Schaumburg, Ill., that engages in concrete and underground construction, one willful, one serious and two repeat safety citations …

Iowa Reinstates $1.2M Fine Against Texas Firm in Worker Abuse Case

An Iowa official has reinstated a nearly $1.2 million fine against a Texas labor broker accused of exploiting dozens of mentally disabled men. The Des Moines Register says Henry’s Turkey Service paid more than 70 of the men about 41 …

Fault in Central Arkansas Longer Than Thought

Geologists say a fault in central Arkansas where hundreds of earthquakes have been recorded in recent months is longer and potentially more destructive than initially believed. Scientists had thought the fault is 3.7 miles long. Now they estimate it to …

3 Tornadoes Reported in Southeast Louisiana

At least three tornadoes touched down in southeastern Louisiana on Mar. 9, including a twister that injured one person in St. Tammany Parish. The tornadoes developed in a line of severe thunderstorms that moved across the region Wednesday morning on …

New Claims Management Company Belvedere Mead to Serve London Market

Belvedere Mead, a new company offering high level interim claims management services to assist the London Market, opened for business on Wednesday, March 9. “Every insurance and reinsurance company understands the importance of ensuring that its claims management function is …

Critics Say Nevada Anti-Bullying Bill Too Subjective

Critics of a Nevada bill that would protect against workplace discrimination based on physical appearance told legislators that the anti-bullying components of the measure were too broad and could open the door to frivolous lawsuits against employers. State law currently …

Texas AG Resolves Hurricane Dolly Related Price Gouging Cases

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced the resolution of five price-gouging cases filed against South Texas motel operators for improper conduct during Hurricane Dolly. Each of the five defendants – Motel 6, Harlingen; Best Western Las Palmas Inn; Comfort Inn, …

Oregon Workplace Injuries Decline More Than 50%

Seventeen people covered by Oregon’s workers’ compensation system died on the job during 2010, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced. The total represents an all-time low in Oregon and is likely tied, to some degree, to the …

New Mexico Announces Grant for Cold Weather Damages

A federal grant could reimburse homeowners for damages in the recent extremely cold weather in New Mexico. The state Department of Finance and Administration’s Local Government Division is making $1.1 million available through a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban …

Illinois GOP Congressman Seeks Farm Equipment Safety Standards

Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock says he wants to improve the safety of rural roads by standardizing lights and markings on farm equipment that travel on public streets. The Peoria Republican says legislation he proposed last week would ensure the lights …