Surgeries in the United States cost about $400 billion per year. But, if insurers gave hospitals an incentive to reduce surgical complications, it is likely that number would decrease. The study by BCG analyzed insurance billing data from over 34,000 in-patient surgeries performed in 2010 in the southern United States.
Two months ago, we wrote about a provision in California’s workers’ compensation laws that qualifies NFL players who played at least one game in the state. Notably, the provision does not require the players to prove that their work-related injuries occurred in the state; rather, they only need to demonstrate that
San Bernardino readers might recall the fire at the Chevron refinery in Richmond, California last year. Federal officials investigating the accident recently announced some of their findings. According to the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, California needs stronger regulations and better oversight of its refineries. However, the federal officials are concerned
Employers in San Bernardino and throughout California have a responsibility to protect their workers from unsafe workplaces. It doesn’t matter if that work environment is a manufacturing facility or one more unique to California — such as a film set. Regulators at the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or
The California Division of Occupational Health and Safety recently announced that it will be paying special attention to the workplace safety of fixed sites on agricultural properties, such as greenhouses, packing sheds, and dairies. The planned inspections are in response to complaints received last year about heat-related illnesses affecting many
After the cooler weather and rains of winter, spring is a welcome arrival for many San Bernardino residents. Rising temperatures, new blooms, and spring break vacation travel plans are some of the seasonal milestones. Even less pleasant reminders of the season — such as the upcoming Tax Day — cannot
California readers might more readily associate workers’ compensation claims with workplaces like a construction or agricultural site, rather than an office environment. However, the enforcement authority of the California Occupational Safety and Health Program applies to all public and private sector places of employment, with only a few exceptions. In other words,
California readers who have toured old flour or textile mill museums may have learned from their tour guides that combustible dust used to be a serious health and safety hazard to workers. Combustible dust, defined as any finely divided solid material that is 420 microns or smaller in diameter, has
Medical research is becoming increasingly complex. With advances in that knowledge also come additional risks, as today’s story suggests. A 25-year-old California researcher working at a Veterans Affairs medical center recently died after exposure to meningitis-causing bacteria. His death prompted an investigation by federal officials for the Occupational Safety and
It is no secret that the job of professional football player is one ripe with injuries over the course of a player’s career. The number of concussions and subsequent lawsuits related to those concussions is seemingly endless. One California attorney who himself is a former NFL player represents more than
