A new exploratory study published by IRSST (Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute Robert-Sauvé) describes in detail, based on a limited number of cases, the various scenarios depicting the differences between clinical judgment, occupational rehabilitation professionals’ understanding of workers’ representations of their musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and workers’ actual representations, during the occupational rehabilitation process, according to an IRSST press release.
Lockheed Martin has reduced the number of employee injuries in its facilities 50 percent since the launch of its “Target Zero” safety program in 2003, according to a company press statement.
Exxon-Mobil Corporation, the world’s largest publicly traded oil and gas company, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Denver to violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in five states during the past five years, the Justice Department announced last week.
Robert Fred Smith, a fugitive since 2006, made his initial appearance last week before the District Court, Southern District of California in San Diego, to face Clean Water Act (CWA) and other charges pending against him. Smith was returned to the U.S. after surrendering to law enforcement authorities in Malta on July 25, 2009.
A survey of 450 large employers identified “employees’ poor health habits” as the number one challenge named by employers as they try to maintain affordable health benefit coverage (National Business Group on Health and Watson Wyatt, 2009). A majority of large employers responding to this survey offer health risk appraisals (83%) and weight management programs to reduce obesity among employees (74%). Based on survey data, observed growth in vendors and suppliers of corporate wellness programs, and employers’ testimony, a tipping point may have been reached that leading large employers now have, or believe they should have, wellness programs in place, according to the National Business Group on Health.
The U.S. voluntary standards system is designed to help businesses and other stakeholders develop and promote product measurement, standards and technology in order to enhance productivity, facilitate trade and compete successfully in a global marketplace, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. Specifically, the voluntary standards system is spurring the development of Smart Grid, healthcare IT, cyber security and emerging technologies and contributes to America’s leadership in the global economy.
As companies contend with the business changes brought on by the recession, many have increased their employee communication efforts. But as they prepare for an eventual rebound, few companies are planning to increase their communication with workers about pay, benefits and business performance in general, according to a forthcoming report by Watson Wyatt, a leading global consulting firm.