New York: New resources for employees with long-haul COVID-19 workers’ comp claims

A new series of webinars offered through the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board will provide information on employee rights when it comes to filing a workers’ compensation claim for COVID-19, especially those suffering from ongoing long-haul symptoms, and the benefits they may be eligible to receive, New York Governor Kathy Hochul last week announced. Those with a work-related injury or illness have two years from the date of becoming injured or ill to file a workers’ compensation claim. Troy Record

Nurses and other healthcare employees report being fired after raising safety concerns

Five nurses at hospitals either owned or operated by a healthcare corporation spoke to NBC News about the consequences they say they faced when trying to advocate for patient and nurse safety, and the issue of ignored safety reports and fear of retribution for bringing up safety concerns isn’t unique to the pandemic. NBC

Florida lawmakers eye state employee health plan revamp, add competitive bidding

Florida lawmakers appear poised to revamp the health insurance program used by tens of thousands of state employees as well as legislators and other top state officials by including in their budget plans to competitively bid the $3.1 billion program and have new contracts in place for coverage in two years. No changes are proposed any to the state group health insurance plans for the next benefit year starting January 1. Employee premiums would remain at their current levels, but there are directives to begin the process of selecting a contractor to administer HMO and pharmacy benefit manager services for 2024. Florida Politics

Oregon considers new rules for wildfire smoke and heat exposure

Oregon health and safety officials are considering workplace protection rules intended to reduce employee exposure to extreme heat and unhealthy air from wildfire smoke and will hold a series of online hearings late this month to hear public comments on the proposed rules. The proposed wildfire smoke regulations would include a requirement for employers to provide N95 respirators when the local Air Quality Index goes above 101, considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” The proposed heat illness rule would apply to any work environment. indoors or out, where employees are exposed to 80-degree temperatures for longer than 15 minutes an hour. The Observer