Often, Opioid Abuse Becomes a Family Affair

Denise GillinHealth Benefits, News, Risk Management

Opioid addiction often starts in the family medicine cabinet, a new study warns. If someone is taking prescription opioids for pain, such as OxyContin, it’s more likely that others living in the home will also get an opioid prescription, the researchers found. “Prescription opioid use may spread within households, and patients may need to consider the risks to other family members,” said lead researcher Marissa Seamans. She is a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health’s department of mental health in Baltimore. Read more here >>>

Did The FCC Just Kill The Internet?

Denise GillinNews

By Jeffrey A. Franklin, Esq., Price Law Offices Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen issued the following statement in response to today’s vote by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the Restoring Internet Freedom Order regarding net neutrality: “The FCC’s action today (December 14, 2017) restored the FTC’s ability to protect consumers and competition throughout the Internet ecosystem. The FTC is ready to resume its role as the cop on the broadband beat, where it has vigorously protected the privacy and security of consumer data and challenged broadband providers who failed to live up to their promises to consumers. In addition, the FCC’s new transparency rules provide additional tools to help ensure that consumers get what they …

Improper Installation Of Stone Veneer Creates Risk Of Mold, Rot

Joshua EtemadiBonds, Construction, News

We all remember the litigation nightmare surrounding synthetic stucco or EIFS (exterior insulation finish systems) in the recent past. Now, commentators worry that Adhered Concrete Masonry Veneer, also known as manufactured stone veneer, when installed improperly, poses the potential to cause widespread litigation similar to EIFS. In case you do not recall, EIFS became a popular exterior on residential structures in America during the 1980s. However, in the mid-1990s, home inspectors noticed some EIFS-clad homes experienced significant amounts of moisture damage, particularly those on the coast of North and South Carolina. News and media outlets began to widely publicize extensive litigation over EIFS-clad homes. Read the article >>>

What Will Trump’s 2018 Infrastructure Package Include?

Joshua EtemadiBonds, Construction, News

Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly planning to unveil its long-promised infrastructure proposal in January, according to The Wall Street Journal. Trump administration officials spoke about the plan’s release as early as March of this year. The president himself said it was largely completed in May, announcing it would be coming in two to three weeks. A themed Infrastructure Week at the White House in June came and went without mention of any details about the plan. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao then said it would be released sometime in the fall. Read more here >>>

Pennsylvania Construction Union’s Suit Against Contractor’s Surety Alleges Breach of Contract

Joshua EtemadiBonds, Construction, News

A Pittsburgh-based non-profit corporation claims a bonding company has neglected to pay it more than $150,000 in contributions and wage deductions, and has initiated litigation to recover that amount. Operating Engineers Local 66, AFL-CIO & Construction Industry Combined Funds, Inc. of Pittsburgh filed suit in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on Nov. 27 versus Allegheny Casualty Company, of Newark, N.J. Tell me more >>>

California Wage Law To Let Subs’ Employees File Claims Against GCs’ Bonds

Joshua EtemadiBonds, Construction, News

In mid-October, California passed a bill which will make general contractors liable for any unpaid wages and fringe benefits owed to employees of subcontractors. The ruling will go into effect on Jan. 1, and will apply to all private construction projects entered into after that date. Needless to say, the bill was met with resistance on the side of contractors who argued that it would further inflate costs which would ultimately be borne by buyers. While the bill does provide ways for contractors to seek indemnity from subcontractors who do not pay their employees, it does not offer possibilities to avoid the liability altogether. Read the bill overview >>>

Emergency Planning: Pets and Livestock

Denise GillinNews, Risk Management

If you own pets or livestock, it’s important to include them in your emergency planning. As you begin to think about disaster preparedness for your pets, keep in mind that what’s best for you is usually what’s best for your animals. If you evacuate your home, DO NOT leave your pets behind. However, because many public shelters will not allow animals inside, you should plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets. Below are some guidelines to help you prepare to meet the needs of pets and livestock in the event of a disaster. Read the guidelines >>>

The Buzz On How Flies Spread Disease

Denise GillinNews

Flies aren’t just annoying. They can spread disease — and may be far better at it than scientists previously thought. Penn State University researchers analyzed the microbiome, or bacterial makeup, of 116 different houseflies and blowflies found across three continents. Both types of flies feed on rotting organic matter and feces, which exposes them to a wide assortment of problematic bacteria. Some of the flies carried hundreds of different bacteria species, including ones known to be harmful to humans, the researchers found. Tell me more >>>

Steep Rise In Deaths For People Hospitalized After Opioid OD

Denise GillinNews

The death rate has quadrupled among people whose opioid use lands them in a hospital, a new U.S. study finds. More opioid users are being sent to the hospital due to a life-threatening overdose than for treatment of drug addiction, the researchers noted. About 2 percent of people hospitalized for opioid use died in 2014, compared with 0.4 percent prior to 2000, the new analysis of federal hospital data revealed. The same analysis showed that hospitalizations due to opioid or heroin poisoning have increased in recent years, even as the rate of people seeking treatment of opioid addiction at a hospital has gone down, said senior researcher Dr. Zirui Song. He is an assistant professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical …