Pennsylvania legislation was recently signed into law that perpetually extends the 5 percent discount for having a workplace safety committee certified by the state.

Prior to this legislation, businesses with state-certified safety committees could receive a 5 percent discount on workers' compensation insurance premiums, renewable for only five years. With the signing of this legislation, businesses with certified safety committees may now renew certification for an unlimited number of times as long as they: 1) continue to meet all requirements for certification; (2) submit the properly completed certification renewal forms between 90 and 15 days in advance of their workers' compensation policy renewal date; and (3) maintain worker's compensation insurance with a carrier licensed in Pennsylvania.

Businesses that have already received the previously allowed maximum of 5 discounts will automatically receive certification renewal forms, which must be filed in accordance with specified filing provisions in the new law and in the health and safety regulations.

Businesses that have not yet received the previously allowed maximum of 5 discounts will continue to receive renewal forms as in the past, approximately 90 days in advance of workers' compensation policy renewal dates.

Questions may be directed to the Bureau of Workers' Compensation's Health and Safety Division at 717-772-1917 or to your local Zenith representative.