Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends certain workers' compensation programs.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Industrial Commission to certify a workers’ compensation safety program, if the program includes the following requirements (Sec. 4):
• The program has adequate safety training for employees;
• The program establishes joint employer-employee safety committees;
• The program uses safety devices; and
• The program consults with safety organizations.

• Authorizes the commission to certify a workers’ compensation return to work program, provided the program includes the following requirements (Sec. 4):
• The program has light-duty or restricted-duty work;
• The program has a leave of absence policy; and
• The program has a full-duty return to work policy.

• Requires the Director of Insurance to mandate the recalculation of workers’ compensation premium rates by insurers of an employer with a certified workers’ compensation program (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that accidental injuries sustained by an individual who is traveling to or from work do not qualify for workers’ compensation under the provisions of this bill, unless the individual sustains the injury while traveling in order to perform a job (Sec. 6).

• Authorizes an employer to seek a proportional share of contributions, as determined by the commission, from the prior employers of an individual who is entitled to benefits in connection with repetitive or cumulative injury resulting from employment with more than 1 employer (Sec. 7).

• Specifies that the annual fee for a workers’ compensation safety program or a workers’ compensation return to work program is waived for a self-insured employer (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text