NEW MEXICO BILL TO REDUCE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION IN CASES WHEN AN EMPLOYEE’S DEATH OR INJURY RESULTS FROM BEING DRUNK OR HIGH ON THE JOB
January
27, 2015
SANTA
FE (AP) – A New Mexico lawmaker has introduced a bill to reduce
workers’ compensation in cases when an employee’s death or injury results from
being drunk or high on the job.
Republican Rep. Dennis Roch of Logan said being under the
influence on the job puts lives at risk and the legislation would help protect
workers and hold violators accountable.
Currently, an employee is eligible to receive 90 percent of
his or her workers’ compensation if alcohol or drugs contribute to injury or
death on the job. Under the legislation introduced Tuesday, the benefits would
decrease by 35 percent to 85 percent.
An Albuquerque Journal poll conducted in September found 67
percent of New Mexicans supported reducing workers’ compensation when drugs or
alcohol result in injury or death.