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What's
This Program All About?
WCPR is a
Workers' Compensation Premium Reduction Program offered by the Oklahoma
Department of Labor to help employers earn a reduction in workers' compensation
insurance premiums. Employers earn certification by demonstrating a strong
commitment to workplace safety and health which is reflected in a reduced
occupational injury/illness experience.
While
participating in the program, employers are given the opportunity to learn how
to maintain a safe and healthy workplace through the development and
implementation of proven and effective safety and health management systems.
Assistance and training are provided by qualified professionals experienced in
helping employers develop safety and health management plans.
WCPR is available
to most public and private sector employers who meet these qualifiers:
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Insured by a
private insurance carrier or the Oklahoma State Insurance Fund.
-
Have an
experience modifier greater than 1.0 attached to their current workers'
compensation insurance policy.
-
Employs fewer
than 250 employees locally or 500 employees nationwide.
NOTE: All
facilities which are covered under the workers' compensation policy must
participate.
Certification
Process
Certification in
WCPR is a process that includes a comprehensive consultation and a satisfactory
performance review. An employer must meet the following requirements to
qualify:
-
A comprehensive
safety and health survey by Oklahoma Department of Labor consultants must be
conducted at each facility covered by the workers' compensation policy.
-
The employer must
correct all hazards identified during the survey process.
-
The employer must
implement and maintain an effective occupational safety and health management
program.
Employers can
earn up to a 15 percent reduction in their workers' compensation insurance
premium - depending on the premium amount paid. Upon meeting the requirements
for WCPR premium reduction, a qualifying company is issued a WCPR certificate by
the Oklahoma Department of Labor and the company's workers' compensation
insurance carrier is notified of the award. Certification is renewable for
employers whose performance continues to reflect a strong commitment to
workplace safety and health.
Consultation
The consultation
phase or "participation year" must coincide with the employer's
workers' compensation policy year. Therefore, the consultation phase must be
initiated on the effective date of the policy. This obviously involves
coordination between the participating employer and the Oklahoma Department of
Labor. To schedule a WCPR consultation, the employer must submit a request at
least 60 days prior to the next policy renewal date.
During the
consultation phase, each facility covered by the employer's workers'
compensation insurance policy must undergo a complete safety and health survey.
The survey, provided by the Oklahoma Department of Labor at no cost to the
employer includes:
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A hazard study to
help identify any existing or potential physical or environmental hazards or
unsafe workplace practices. The final survey will provide recommendations for
improving plant safety.
-
Evaluation of
each facility's job safety and health management plan against recognized
effective principles. The evaluation will help identify weaknesses and provide
recommendations for improving the plan.
-
A comprehensive
report detailing the findings of the consultants.
-
Training and
technical assistance to help the company implement recommendations.
-
Follow-up visits
as necessary to confirm hazard correction and program implementation.
Performance
Review
The performance
review is conducted after statistical data for the participation year are
available. This usually occurs eight or nine months after the close of the
participation year. The performance review involves a formal evaluation to
determine whether a participating employer qualifies for WCPR certification
through the Oklahoma Department of Labor. To qualify for certification and to
become eligible for premium reduction at the time of the next policy renewal,
companies must meet the following criteria:
-
Experience no
workers' compensation claims during the participation year or experience a 10
percent reduction in the dollar amount or severity of claims incurred during the
year preceding the participation year.
-
Reduce the lost
workday incident rate to the national average or by one-third the amount the
national average was exceeded during the compensation year.
Getting
Started
To enroll in the
WCPR program or to request additional information, call the Oklahoma Department
of Labor at 405-528-150, Ext. 275 or toll-free statewide at 888-269-5353, Ext. 275 or e-mail
Diana
Jones. |
