A new study released this week by NCCI Holdings Inc. shows that an aging workforce has less of a negative impact on workers’ comp claim than previously thought.

According to an article on BusinessInsurance.com, the NCCI report found that workers across different ages share “remarkably similar” types of work injuries. This is in contrast to a report last year by the same company, that found workers over 35 years of age generated higher-than-average claims compared to workers aged 15 to 34.

The report gave the example of “sprain of neck.” Claims of this injury are “virtually identical” for younger and older workers. Also, the report said that high severity diagnoses that tend to be more common in older workers are becoming more common in younger workers.

Now that Hurricane Sandy has passed through our area, we hope that all of our staff, clients, and neighbors made it through with minimal damage. But as we recover from the storm, we’d like to remind everyone about the “Turn Around, Don’t Drive” law that was put in place in July.

Under this new law, it is a summary offense to drive past, around, or through a sign or traffic-control devise used to close a road because of an existing or potential hazardous situation. Violators can face a fine up to $250. If a violator must be rescued by first responders, emergency workers, or a tow truck, the fine can be between $250 and $500.

With roads in our area still closed due to the storm, we strongly urge motorists to heed the “Turn Around, Don’t Drive” law. Don’t put yourself in danger, or possibly any emergency personnel who may be required to rescue you.

As Hurricane Sandy approaches land, we urge our families, staff, clients, and neighbors to prepare and plan for the worst.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has declared a statewide disaster emergency so that state, county, and municipal governments can respond. Here are some additional recommendations to ride out the storm:

Remain inside your home during harsh conditions. If you need to leave your home, follow posted road warnings to keep yourself and others safe.

With an Amazon fulfillment center in Hazleton, PA, we were happy to read the news on CNN.com that they plan to hire 50,000 seasonal workers across the U.S.

With the holiday season approaching, the online retailer announced its seasonal hiring plan. The company currently employs 20,000 people in 40 fulfillment centers across the county. In the article, Amazon said it expects thousands of the seasonal employees to stay on full time after the holidays.

There are no details on the types of positions that will become available, but typical tasks include pulling times from warehouse shelves, packing boxes for shipment, and storing incoming merchandise.

Pennsylvania has become the center of attention when it comes to drilling for natural gas. But some of that attention has turned negative as two federal lawsuits and a state investigation have shed light on possible pay abuses at companies tapping the Marcellus shale.

According to an article on Equities.com, two companies are being accused of failing to pay employees for all the hours they work as well as misclassifying employees to avoid paying overtime, workers’ compensation, and unemployment services. One company provides security services at the well site and the other company provides fracking services.

One class action lawsuit that is being proposed claims that operators aren’t paid for all the hours they work, that accurate time sheets aren’t kept, and that time-and-a-half isn’t paid when an employee works overtime, although it is required by law. The class action suit is on behalf of current and former employees.

As the number of cases of a rare, noncontagious form of meningitis grow, some facilities that treat workers compensation claimants are identified as having received tainted medications.

An article on BusinessInsurance.com has reported that some of these facilities are on a list provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) because they received methylprednisolon acetate from New England Compounding Center in Framingham, MA. There is a link between the injectable steroid medication that the company produces and the recent meningitis outbreak. The CDC says that there is still not enough evidence to determine the original source of the outbreak. New England Compounding has recalled products compounded and distributed from its facility.

A list of the facilities that received lots of the recalled medication is available on the CDC website.

Attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law helped to celebrate with residents of Berks County during the 9th Annual Latin Festival held at the First Energy Stadium in Reading, held on Sat., Sept. 29.

The law firm’s booth, located next to the stage, provided a perfect view of the event while handing out free t-shirts, pens, and other giveaways to festival attendees.

Ana Cruz was the big winner of the day, leaving with a 32″ LCD high definition TV compliments of O’Connor Law. Jaime Diaz won a backpack filled with school supplies. Another lucky attendee won an O’Connor Law umbrella.

In July, an Alcoa worker was killed at a plant in Riverdale, Iowa, while operating a piece of equipment. According to an article on KWQC.com, the company now faces fines of over $38,000 as a result of serious violations found to be in connection with the accident.

OSHA investigated the accident and issued six serious safety violations. The violations included failing to prevent the movement of equipment, failure to inspect equipment and provide training.

A spokesman for the company said Alcoa will address the issues and will take correction action.

This week, the RepublicanHerald.com reported that local garment company FesslerUSA in Orwigsburg would soon be making critical decisions about its future.

According to the article, rumors have been circulating that the company would be closing. A recent employee meeting included discussions of the troubles facing the company.

“We faced enormous challenges since the global economic crisis began over four years ago. During the past several months, as those challenges increased dramatically, we aggressively pursued new customers and other options, including investors, downsizing and the winding down of operations,” said President/CEO Walter Meck.

The company has been providing design support services and custom production services to the private label fashion knitwear industry for over 112 years.

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The attorneys and staff of O’Connor Law are proud to be a sponsor of the 9th annual Latin Festival being held this Sat., Sept. 29 at the First Energy Stadium in Reading, PA. Admission is free for the event that will be held from noon to 8 PM. Parking for the event is also free. The family-oriented festival is coordinated by the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center and brings together thousands of Latinos from different countries, all in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month that runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. The event includes food and live music, as well as a chance to enjoy exhibits, and the culture and folklore of the Latino community. You can enter for a chance to win a flat screen TV and a book bag filled with school supplies. We hope you can join us this Saturday!

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