Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, forming and certifying a workplace safety committee that meets state requirements entitles you to five percent workers’ compensation premium reductions. More than 7,100 Pennsylvania employers have already saved over $239 million in insurance premiums.

Along with the premium savings, you cut down on lost time and other expenses caused by workplace injuries. Most importantly, safety committees are a proven tool in helping to keep employees safe, injury free and on the job earning their full wages.

Basic Requirements

• Have a minimum of 2 employer and 2 employee representatives, meet monthly and be in operation for at least 6 full months.
• Be trained by qualified trainers in safety committee operation, hazard inspection and accident investigation.
• Develop and maintain written meeting agendas, attendance lists and meeting minutes.

• Be permitted to take time from work to perform duties
• Serve at least one year
• Represent employer workforce

• Evaluating safety program and making recommendations
• Performing workplace inspections
• Reviewing accidents and employee complaints
• Follow-up on new safety equipment or health and safety procedures

• Committee members must receive annual training
• Training must be conducted by a state certified provider
• Address safety concerns of the employer

To certify your committee, you must complete and submit an application to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Health & Safety division for review between 90 and 30 days in advance of your workers’ compensation policy renewal date. You will receive notification if you’ve been approved or if there are areas where additional information is needed.

Documentation needed for application may include:

• Meeting agendas and minutes
• Bylaws
• Membership list
• Inspection reports
• Hazard reports and corrections
• Workplace injury reports
• Management responses

For more information or to obtain an application, phone or go online at:

www.dli.state.pa.us
Phone: 717-772-1635
Fax: 717-772-1639

As a state certified training provider, our staff of experienced field representatives can offer advice in alternatives, which may reduce loss exposures, and assist you in establishing, training evaluating and improving the effectiveness of your safety initiatives.

For more information about our services, contact your local Penn National Insurance agent or loss control representative.