Workers’ Comp GeneralLiability ADR Alternative

As we know all too well, when it comes time to review and procure your workers’ compensation and general liability policies, we often come away stunned, pissed and bewildered at the costs associated with doing business in the great state of New York. Any effort to challenge NYS Labor Law 240-241 would be a colossal waste of time.

Thanks to Josh Taylor, WC&C Board Member and President of Combined Resources Interiors Inc., I have formed an ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Committee to explore options that may be available to our membership. Implementing an optional ADR program for our members will first require labor and management to collectively bargain participation together. Should our labor partners be in agreement, we would submit the collectively bargained ADR program for review and approval by the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board. Upon approval, we can begin an implementation program.

A few highlights of an ADR Program are as follows:

• Highest quality medical care to quickly pay you any cash benefits that you are entitled to under workers’ compensation law.

• Eliminate the inefficiencies of traditional workers’ compensation programs allowing you to receive your benefits faster.

• ADR agreements to ensure that your benefits and rights are equal to or better than traditional workers’ compensation programs.

• Impartial adjudicator available to injured worker that replaces Workers’ Comp Board.

In the short term, an ADR program could be helpful in mitigating potentially fraudulent claims. In the long term, should the program gain traction with our members, along with a reduction of claims being processed, a savings in premiums would be welcome. Stay tuned for more details as the committee continues to meet to explore our options with our labor partners.

Congratulations to the 2023 AWCI Pinnacle Award Winner, Brent Allen of Compass Construction in Dublin, Ohio. It is well deserved.

Michael Weber, President