SIMI VALLEY : Workshop to Focus on Workers’ Comp

Simi Valley school officials are organizing a one-day workshop on workers’ compensation aimed at employers concerned about skyrocketing costs associated with fraudulent claims.

The event will feature state Sen. Cathie Wright (R-Simi Valley) and Assemblywoman Paula Boland (R-Granada Hills) along with Tom Hagerman, a member of Gov. Wilson’s Workers’ Compensation Review Task Force.

The history of workers’ compensation and problems with the current system will be examined, along with methods for preventing fraud and abuse and controlling losses, officials said.

Doug Crosse, a board member of the Simi Valley Unified School District, said the school district should take the lead in addressing the issue locally as the largest employer in the city.

Those who attend will receive a symposium report and will be invited to write lawmakers in Sacramento in support of immediate reform, officials said.

The Aug. 27 event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For $10, participants receive a lunch and materials, officials said. For more information, call the school district at 520-6175.