The state senate will take another stab this week at changing workers’ compensation law to satisfy Missouri businesses. But it has to resolve some issues from members who think workers need some protections, too.
One question is whether an employer who knowingly exposes workers to toxic substances should be subject to civil lawsuit or whether the exposure should be covered by workers’ comp. If it’s covered by worker’s comp, the damaged worker cannot seek punitive damages from the company.
Farmington Senator Kevin Engler finds another problem recalling an injured worker in his area who sued the company that supplied the employer with the toxic materials and won only to have the employer demand repayment of workers’ comp benefits from the settlement…
—and then, he asks, should the worker get to keep those payment? To him, the answer is “yes”
Cape Girardeau Senator Jason Crowell doesn’t want to allow businesses to decide it’s cheaper to pay insurance premiums than it is to fix hazardous working conditions.
Crowell :31 mp3[pop6] :31 “stuff”
Crowell says some employers will refuse to fix dangerous working conditions because it’s cheaper to pay insurance premiums.
