Oklahoma Gov. Signs Bill Allowing Employers to Opt Out of Workers Compensation

[OmahaBlueDog]

Oklahoma workers' compensation measure signed into law

Gov. Mary Fallin, with little fanfare, signed a measure into law Monday that drastically changes how Oklahomans are compensated for on-the-job injuries.

The Republican governor, who has sought changes in the workers' compensation system during her nearly 20 years in state politics, said Senate Bill 1062 will reduce costs for businesses. Fallin didn't hold a bill signing ceremony and announced her approval with a news release.

SB 1062 changes the workers' compensation system from a judicial system to an administrative one. It also allows businesses to opt out of the workers' compensation system as long as they provide equivalent benefits to injured workers.

Democrats who opposed the measure said it is unfair to injured workers because it will reduce their benefits.

Source: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-workers-compensation-measure-signed-into-law/article/3807094

At a glance: Oklahoma workers' comp changes

• The state's court system will be replaced by an administrative one beginning Feb. 1, 2014, with three appointed commissioners instead of 10 judges.

• Employees will be allowed to make a one-time change of treating physician, but must select from a list of three doctors provided by the employer.

• Employers will be allowed to opt out of the workers' compensation system altogether so long as they provide the same forms of benefits required under the administrative system.

• Employers also can require employees to settle claims and disputes through arbitration.

http://newsok.com/at-a-glance-oklahoma-workers-comp-changes/article/3805034

Oklahoma legislator: Savings in workers' comp bill come at expense of injured workers
BY STATE REP. RICHARD MORRISSETTE | Published: May 4, 2013 Oklahoman

Regarding “Democrats offer plenty of rhetoric, no solutions” (Our Views, April 28), in which I was described as one who engages in class warfare and the comments from my colleagues were skewed: Let me say that what we're facing here is working-class warfare upon Oklahoma labor.

Recently passed Oklahoma workers' compensation reforms came as a bit of a surprise to most, as 2011 reforms had just been formally enacted. But as Cesar Chavez of the United Farm Workers Union always said, “It's not about grapes or lettuce. It's always about people.” And I have a people-related theory as to the timing of Senate Bill 1062.

With the recent release of 2011 workplace safety data, a troubling trend in on-the-job injury and fatality has apparently sent a chill throughout Oklahoma business and industry whose leaders may see workers' comp reform as a hedge against an inevitable call for potentially costly improvements to workplace safety.

Oklahoma doesn't comply with OSHA, and recent labor statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirm that the question we need to be asking is “How safe are workers in Oklahoma?” and “How will workers' comp reforms protect business and further affect the safety of workers?”

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-legislator-savings-in-workers-comp-bill-come-at-expense-of-injured-workers/article/3806057

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Oklahoma, moving ever backward toward becoming a territory again.

[Wednesdays]

15. Actually, in some ways it was BETTER back then!

If you read the early history of Oklahoma, it was originally designed to be a progressive state...very pro-labor, etc. (the reason why my great-grand-dad came to work in the coal mines near Muskogee--the working conditions were among the best in the world then). That was before Big Oil and Big Agriculture took over beginning in the 1910's.

[Autumn]

2. I almost feel sorry for my relatives in Oklahoma, but since they are all republicans

I can't really feel sorry for them.

[redstatebluegirl]

3. Mattress Mary strikes again!

[LondonReign2]

4. Oklahoma: The Only State That Makes Me Feel Good About Living In Texas

[OmahaBlueDog]

5. I think Texas also allows employers to opt out of Work Comp

I may be wrong.

[LondonReign2]

16. Probably right

It would be a very Texas thing to do

[HiPointDem]

6. fascism never sleeps

[OmahaBlueDog]

7. I'm just wondering if this is unique to Oklahoma, or if this will now spread?

[HiPointDem]

14. i don't know if it's unique to OK, but my hunch would be that it's part of the general ALEC-led

assault on workers.

[TransitJohn]

8. That's pretty fucking unbelievable

The rollback of the New Deal is almost complete. Fucking fascists.

[onethatcares]

9. just think of how many

companies are now going to move there and create JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS (sung to the tune of JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS).

If only they could get rid of the minimum wage/40 hour work weeks/federal holidays and any other benefits, the place would be a rockin.


( I hope the smiley isn't needed on this one)

[Doremus]

10. My sympathy to liberal voters in OK. To all the rest (vast majority), you reap what you sow, baby.

Enjoy the results of voting for people who would just as soon cut you off at the knees than shake your hand.

[OmahaBlueDog]

11. Remember when the wingers complained about "Death Panels"?

Employees will be allowed to make a one-time change of treating physician, but must select from a list of three doctors provided by the employer.

..so what would we call that?

[WillyT]

12. K & R !!!

[Behind the Aegis]

13. WTF?!

I get so tired of having to battle this type of stupidity here. Once again, we are going to get screwed and no kiss!