Page 15 - Delaware Department of Insurance

Participating in Delaware Workplace Safety Programs carries no risk for businesses
Delaware employers can earn the opportunity to lower workers’ compensation insurance premiums by participating in
the Delaware Workplace Safety Program through the Delaware Insurance Commissioner’s Office, in coordination with the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau.
In 2019, businesses saved a cumulative more than $7 million from participating in the Workplace Safety Program. Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau unanimously approved the third rate decrease in three years for workers’ compensation rates, with the 2019 reduction being 13%.
Businesses may earn discounts
of up to 19% by providing and maintaining a safe place to work. Since the program’s inception
in 1989, employers have saved millions of dollars in premiums, and more importantly, have enhanced the safety and
health of their employees.
There are no drawbacks to participating in the Workplace Safety Program. There are no penalties for failing to qualify (e.g., increased premiums or incurring sanctions or premium increases from other safety enforcement authorities).
The purpose of a Workplace Safety Program inspection is solely to determine if the participating business qualifies for the Delaware Workplace Safety Program insurance premium discount. Conditions considered include
an effective health and safety program; adequate and effective employee training; identification and elimination of potential hazardous conditions; and three years of workplace injury data.
The inspections are conducted
by private contractors (i.e., they are not OSHA inspectors and they have no enforcement jurisdiction). Participating companies have no financial commitment beyond
paying an initial assessment fee.
Although the inspector might cite Occupational Safety & Health (OSHA) standards, other regulations or guidelines, the Delaware Workplace Safety Program is not the same as an OSHA inspection. The purpose is not to determine compliance with OSHA or any other safety regulations or standards
of care; it is simply to determine whether the health and the safety of employees are an important part of the workplace culture at businesses participating in the program and that hazards are routinely and regularly identified and corrected.
No liability or responsibility is assumed by the person or entity preparing the report
or performing the inspection.
The same is true for any injuries to employees, subcontractors or other persons injured at the businesses participating in the Delaware Workplace Safety Program. It remains the sole responsibility of the participating business to assure their premises are safe for their employees, subcontractors and all other persons at their businesses and facilities. No contractual relationship exists between the parties performing the inspections and preparing the reports and
the participating businesses, their employees, subcontractors and
all other persons on their premises.
For more information, call
(302) 674-7377 or go to insurance. delaware.gov/services/ workplacesafetydiscount.
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