Webinar presentation on risk management issues in special events to the National Health Council Chief Development Officers Affinity Group by Joseph Caruso and Jim Linn. October 3, 2011
JH: Yes. It affects the people participating in this webinar now – and their professional colleagues. In addition to legal liability for injuries to others when the AF or its employees are negligent, in the US, employers must pay for employee injuries on the job regardless of fault . PP: Regardless of fault? JH: Indeed. During the industrial revolution, when people were working away from their farm or home in growing numbers, employee injuries would often go uncompensated because employers had the advantage in defending against liability for employee injuries. Witnesses would not testify against their employers for fear of losing their jobs, employers had access to more skilled attorneys, and often had a political advantage in the courtroom. So our workers compensation system emerged to protect worker rights. Employees gave up the right to sue for pain and suffering, but employers must pay medical expenses and lost time for workplace injuries regardless of fault. PP: So how does that affect the employees? JH: Occupational Safety and Health standards have evolved to supplement WC laws. They dictate the workplace safety standards for everything from number of doors in an office to ergonomic standards to prevent repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel. Complying with these laws keeps employees safe and makes them more productive, since they lose work time due to injury less frequently.
PP: So you’re saying that effective risk management not only protects the AF from lawsuits, but also benefits patients, donors, volunteers and employees? JH: That’s right. I’m looking forward to discussing all the ways this happens over the next few webinars. PP: And I am looking forward to talking about them with you. Dr. Hilliard will return later in the webinar to talk more specifically about liquor liability.