Boston, MA - The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) today announced the launch of the Massachusetts Online Proof of Coverage Application (POC), a free web-based tool that will assist the public in verifying whether a particular business has a current workers’ compensation insurance policy.
While the POC application is not designed to detect fraud, it may also assist EOLWD’s Department of Industrial Accidents’ investigations in determining whether fraud exists.
Employers are required by law in Massachusetts to carry workers compensation insurance to assist workers in the event that they are injured on the job. While the vast majority of Massachusetts businesses carry a policy, those who are not in compliance shift the burden onto those business that do. As a result, over $53 million has been paid out of the Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund over the past 10 years to pay for injury claims of workers who were employed by businesses that were not in compliance. DIA works closely with businesses through payment plans and more aggressive enforcement measures to make sure they are compliant.
Suzanne M. Bump, Secretary of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development EOLWD noted that 36 other states have POC applications available to the public online. “From day one, Governor Patrick has made modernizing functions in Labor and Workforce Development a priority. The POC application is the result of a public-private partnership between the Department of Industrial Accidents and the Workers’ Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts that will empower Massachusetts workers to take their own safety and security on the job seriously,” said Secretary Bump. The Workers’ Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts is the licensed rating organization responsible for the collection of all workers’ compensation policy data written by commercial carriers in the Commonwealth.
EOLWD’s Director of Labor, George Noel added “In order for Massachusetts to sustain a healthy and vibrant business climate, there must be an economic atmosphere where similar industries can compete on a level playing field. This application increases our ability at the state level of maintain those conditions.”
The POC application will:
* Assist homeowners in ensuring that hired contractors have workers’ compensation insurance
* Assist general contractors with ensuring that all subcontractors are properly insured.
* Assist medical providers with coverage questions when treating an injured worker.
* Assist state and municipal officials with ensuring workers’ compensation compliance with licensing, permitting, and awarding public contracts.
* Help protect employers from agent and broker fraud allowing them to verify their own coverage.
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