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Meeting with Director, Christine Baker and $16 Million Delivered to Injured Workers

Mar 28, 2018

Why was I so persistent? Because this is what I know for sure:

I see first-hand the stress, heartache, and struggle of injured workers.

I am excited about the Return to Work & Supplement Fund and I know that with just a few very small changes we could massively increase the amount of support and how quickly injured workers receive it and get back to work.

In 90 days the impact of being injured can result in loss of home, destroyed relationships, debt, and sometimes suicide. If we can simplify this process we can save lives!

I was recently invited to Oakland to meet with Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, State of California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. We discussed various points impeding injured workers' access to their job loss benefits.  First, we went over what is going right with the current system and we agreed that there is a lot! Then I shared a few items that need help such as Missing Physician Return to Work & Voucher Report, Request for Dispute Resolution filings, and the lack of awareness of benefits.  She listened closely and was interested in learning more about how she can make a difference to improve the delivery of these benefits. She made many notes. In the end, I am certain that our meeting will have a positive outcome for all injured workers. She shares the same intention as all of us, to help the injured workers most in need. More to come!

As part of our commitment to helping injured workers on their path to success, OCC has submitted thousands of applications (just this year) to the Return to Work Fund, which is currently at $120 million. We are thrilled to announce that as of today, OCC has been able to help deliver over $16 million to the injured workers! OCC is committed to doing our part to get these deserving people a boost toward their new lives...World Class Lives.

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