Workers' Compensation insurance is insurance that covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for employees who become injured or ill on the job. The benefits include medical care, temporary disability payments and compensation for a resulting permanent impairment. Coverage also includes employee rehabilitation and death benefits.
An employee can only receive benefits if their injury or illness relates to their job duties or employment. It can cover injuries caused by:
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Lifting heavy equipment
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Falling objects
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Slipping on a wet or oily surface
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Fires or explosions
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Cuts or burns
*If an employee is injured outside of work, workers' compensation WILL NOT cover them.*
The Workplace Safety Program inspection is a great way for employers to save money on their workers' compensation. You can earn discounts up to 19% just from providing and maintaining a safe place to work. The purpose of the Workplace Safety Program inspection is to determine if your business is eligible for the 19% discount.
Conditions that are considered during the inspection are an effective health and safety program, adequate and effective employee training, identification and elimination of potentially hazardous conditions, and three years of workplace injury data.
*The purpose is not to determine compliance with Occupational Safety and Health standards (OSHA), but simply to determine whether the health and safety of employees are an important part of businesses participating in the program and that hazards are routinely and regularly identified and corrected. It is your responsibility as the business owner to assure that your premises is safe for your employees, subcontractors, and all other persons at the business or facility!
Frequently Asked Questions:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What doesn't workers' compensation cover? | In addition to injuries that occur outside of work, injuries that occur intentionally, while commuting to and from work, or due to intoxication or substance abuse wouldn't be covered by workers' compensation. |
| Who can participate? | Employers who have been in business a minimum of three years and are paying at least $3,161 annual premium are eligible. |
| What are the benefits? | Upon passing the safety inspection, employers can earn up to a 19 percent discount on workers' compensation premiums. Participants also receive materials and recommendations from the inspectors that are helpful in maintaining safe and healthy work sites. Failure to qualify does not result in any penalties, premium increases or sanctions imposed by other safety enforcement authorities. |
| Who performs the inspections? | Independent qualified safety inspectors, under contract to the Delaware Department of Insurance, conduct actual physical inspections of work sites. The Department of Insurance shall permit the insurer's inspection to satisfy the inspection procedures are at least rigorous as those employed by the Department of Insurance and its independent safety experts. An insurer's safety inspection procedures must be recertified on a biannual basis to maintain status as an acceptable substitute. |
| Is this a one-time discount or can I reapply each year? | Employers have the opportunity to re-apply for the discount annually. Applications must be received 5 months prior to the policy renewal date. |
| What injury and claims records am I required to have on-hand during an inspection? | All inspections must include a thorough review of the following items, which are maintained by the employer and made available for the inspector to review: -All workplace injuries that have occured in the last three years prior to the application. -The outcome of those injuries, if applicable, including specific details of the injuries. -Confirmation of Modification Duty Availability Reports for all injuries, as applicable. -Any findings or fines relating to workplace safety resulting from the injuries. -A list of possible assignments for injured workers. -Any safety measures taken by the employer as a result of the injuries. |
Important Information:
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The Delaware Commissioner's Office, in coordination with the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau, offers Delaware employers an opportunity to LOWER their workers' compensation insurance premiums by participating in the Delaware Workplace Safety Program! (There are no penalties for failing to qualify)
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Businesses may earn discounts up to 19% by providing and maintaining a safe place to work!
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Since 1989, employers have saved millions of dollars in premiums and enhanced the health and safety of their employees!
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After audits, businesses have saved a confirmed 74,360,971 between 1994 and 2009!
*If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Wyshock Insurance and speak to Travis or Sandra and see if Workers' Compensation is right for you and your business! :)*
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