Certification Process Overview
Want to take a bite out of your workers' compensation costs? You can by forming a workplace safety committee that meets state requirements AND by applying for committee certification. Certification entitles you to five percent workers' compensation premium reductions. More than 13,000 Pennsylvania employers have already saved over $874 million in insurance premiums! Money that's now being used to expand businesses, hire more workers, buy new equipment, and invest in safety programs.
Most importantly, safety committees are a proven tool in helping to keep employees safe, injury free, and on the job earning their full wages.
Self-insured employers can also benefit from effective safety programs. As efforts of their safety committees are realized, more and more self-insured employers are applying for committee certification (even though they aren't eligible for the five percent premium discount).
How do I apply for initial certification?
Just complete and submit an application to the bureau's Health and Safety Division for review between 90 and 30 days in advance of your workers' compensation policy renewal date or, if you are a self-insured employer, between 90 and 30 days of your self-insurance application renewal date. You will receive notification if you've been approved or if there are areas where additional information is needed.
After the initial certification and discount, how are subsequent discounts earned?
You must complete and submit a renewal application to the bureau's Health and Safety Division for review between 90 and 15 days in advance of your worker's compensation policy renewal date or, if you're a self-insured employer, between 90 and 15 days of your self-insurance application renewal date. The application will ask you to attest that the committee continues to meet all certification requirements upon which the initial certification was based. Once a renewal is approved, you will receive written notification that you must provide to your worker's compensation insurer who will calculate and apply the discount.
Workplace Safety Committee Technical Assistance Manual (PDF)