New York considers extending workers’ comp to Lyme disease patients

A Syracuse, New York-area lawmaker wants to extend coverage for workers’ compensation to employees who contract Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses while working outdoors or treating animals. New York is among the states with the highest instances of Lyme in the country. The proposal would add tick-borne diseases and illnesses to the list of occupational diseases that would qualify as a payable benefit for disabilities sustained under the state workers’ compensation law. Spectrum News 1

Thirteen employees die nationally every day, agency reports

Nationally, an average 13 employees die as a result of workplace injuries every day, according to the latest statistics from 2020, Fed-OSHA reports. About 20 percent of such fatalities in 2019 in private industry were in construction, accounting for one in five employee deaths for the year, according to the agency. Florida Times-Union

Quebec firemen say recognition of cancer risk is difficult

A Quebec firefighter is pushing for other firefighters to be protected with legislation that makes cancer a presumed occupational hazard because of exposure to known carcinogens. Her counterparts in Quebec have the least protection of any jurisdiction in Canada. British Columbia recently amended the workers’ compensation Act to include three more cancers on a list that now totals 16 presumptive cancers. Cancers affecting the reproductive system are being added across much of the country, as more women take on firefighting. The Globe and Mail