PLEASE NOTE VENUE LOCATION CHANGE

In this program the following topics regarding Worker's Compensation will be discussed.

• Functions of the Advocate for Business and the Advocate for Injured Workers offices
• Who are the key players in the Workers Compensation system?
• Who needs coverage?
• Who does not need coverage?
• Independent Contractors?
• Penalties for non compliance
• The appeal process
• How to manage your claims
• Working with your Third Party Administrator
• Fraudulent claims
• Reduce the cost of coverage
• Return to work and Light Duty programs
• Management Safety teams

About the speakers: 

Neil Gilberg, NYS Worker’s Compensation Board’s Advocate for Business, has significant experience in the private sector that now brings him to the public. Neil comes from the hospitality industry, where he spent 20 years running a major Catskills resort, managing 300 employees and a multi-million dollar budget. He also has background in government service as the former Sullivan County Clerk; as a member of the Fallsburg Town Council; and as a trustee of the Fallsburg Central School District. Neil is also in the Board of Directors for C.A.S.A (Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children).

Neil was subsequently appointed by the Governor to serve as the Business Ambassador/Advocate for Business for the NYS Workers' Compensation Board. In this capacity, Neil addresses employers' concerns regarding the workers' compensation system in New York State and develops policies to address those concerns.

Ed Ruff was appointed in October 1998 as the LABOR OMBUDSMAN FOR INJURED WORKERS, NEW YORK STATE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BOARD.  Ed created a unique service to assist workers who were injured or made ill on their job in New York State. Help claimants achieve proper and fair resolution to their case. Provide training and educational outreach programs on workers compensation issues across the state to injured workers organizations, organized labor, business groups, attorneys, licensed representatives and physicians.

ED has been recognize by the New York State Senate and Assembly for his work with the victims of the World Trade Center 9-11-01 attack and still represented the Workers’ Compensation Board on the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program Advisory Board. In September, 1991, Ed was appointed by Governor Mario M. Cuomo as a member of the New York State Occupational Health Clinic Oversight Committee. Ed also, worked on the OSHA Committee which developed guidelines on workplace violence and served on the Governor’s Task force on Violence in the Workplace for Public Employees. He served on numerous state and national committees on safety and health and was appointed under the Clinton Administration to the Labor Research Advisory Council for the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Ed has received numerous awards for his work including an Outstanding Service to Safety Award from the National Safety Council, the 1994 Health Educator of the Year Award from the State of New York and the United Way Award for Outstanding Volunteer Commitment.