Most people in California have heard about the sequestration, the government's cuts in funding to a wide range of programs. While some people might find the lack of funding a mere inconvenience, in some circumstances it could be much more severe than that. One such instance is the lack of funding for some mine safety programs.
California lawmaker proposes change to workers' comp for athletes
State lawmakers are considering changes to California's workers' compensation laws to deny coverage for professional athletes who play games in California but who are not affiliated with a California team. Generally, workers who are injured on the job in California are entitled to benefits from the workers' comp system. While professional athletes work in a different kind of workplace than most workers in the state, some lawmakers are concerned that players and retired players from visiting professional sports teams are receiving benefits for injuries sustained in California.
Carpal tunnel claims in California take some time to resolve
When people in California think of injuries sustained at the workplace, they might be inclined to think about traumatic accidents such as a fall by a construction worker, for example. However, even workers who sit at desks all day are susceptible to a workplace injury -- albeit without a dramatic scene taking place. Instead, injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome can get worse over time, practically unnoticed.
Intern at California animal park fatally attacked by lion
People in California often have a wide range of jobs owing to the temperate weather. Outdoor work can be year-round in many cases. This also means that some jobs that might not exist in lots of other places can be found in California -- some of them quite dangerous, leading to workplace injuries that might not be seen anywhere else.
Coal industry taking steps to reduce toxic mercury exposure
Those in Los Angeles and Orange County who eat a lot of seafood may want to take note of one report on mercury exposure coming out of the Midwest. The amount of this toxic metal exposure is being greatly reduced by the coal mining industry. In fact, they have reduced the amount of mercury sent through their smokestacks by over 50 percent in the past 15 years while hoping to reduce that number by another 75 percent by 2016.
