obesity in the workplace - an expanding problem |
American waistlines are expanding, with the adult obesity rate estimated by some to be as high as 40%. The obesity rate in the workforce has historically been lower than that of the general population, but this too is on the increase. Obese workers reportedly have more occupational limitations, more workplace absences and more workplace injuries. A recent study comes to the sobering conclusion that not only are over a quarter of all US workers obese, but that the overall prevalence of obesity increased "significantly" between 2004 and 2011...read more. |
fighting fire with fire - the impact of obesity on firefighter health |
A sure sign of the concern mounting over the rate of obesity in the U.S. is the number of studies that are coming out analyzing the issue from a myriad of different angles. One of the most recent, Adiposity Predicts Self-Reported Frequency of Poor Health Days Among Male Firefighters, looks at the issue of overweight or obese firefighters....and comes to the conclusion that firefighters who are overweight or obese are more likely to report feeling unwell...read more. |
LARSON'S SPOTLIGHT ON RECENT CASES |
Thomas A. Robinson, J.D., our Feature National Columnist, is a leading commentator and expert on the law of workers' compensation.
Iowa: Family Argument Over Investment Scam Turns Ugly, Injury Claim Not Compensable. A worker's injuries were not accidental--and, therefore, not compensable--where evidence suggested the employer was owned by the worker's husband and...read more.
Kansas: Employee Fails to Prove Peanut Allergy Related to Her Employment. A court affirmed the denial of a worker's claim that she had developed a peanut...read more.
New York: Claimant Was Not Due Full Day's Disability Pay for Weekly Half-Hour Appointment with Psychologist. A worker who had established a compensable claim for an adjustment disorder with mixed depressed mood...read more.
Nebraska: Surveillance Video Dooms Deputy Sheriff's Retaliatory Discharge Case. Surveillance video that showed a deputy sheriff-while he was being paid workers' compensation disability benefits--operating a pickup truck with...read more. |