Florida DWC chief announces broad changes to processes in Florida workers’ comp cases

Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation Chief Judge David W. Langham recently announced multiple changes to the consolidation of districts and to the mediation process in workers’ compensation cases which will have immediate impact on the larger practice area. The first is an addition of two new mediators. In addition, a new schedule for mediations has been set, including that all times will be set in Eastern Time, including events for parties in the Florida Panhandle. JD Supra

Minnesota justices send hearing-loss case back to workers’ comp judge

In a case involving an employee’s hearing loss, the Minnesota Supreme Court has held that a workers’ compensation judge erred in not determining whether the last noise-exposure employer has a right to reimbursement against a previous, significant-exposure employer. Finance & Commerce [may require registration]

New York county passes local law changing workers’ comp costs

Chautauqua County, New York lawmakers approved a local law that changes the formula the county uses in determining workers compensation costs for local governments. The move is expected to save the county up to $700,000 a year beginning in 2023. Chautauqua Today

Amazon shareholders reject employee safety initiative

At its annual meeting, Amazon shareholders voted against 15 proposals asking the company to report on employee safety, among other initiatives. The company is piloting new technologies like wearables that use sensory feedback to alert an employee of “weak body posture” and help change their habits, and its chief executive told shareholders the company has 8,000 people who work only on safety. Seattle Times