Workers Comp Subcontractors Jurisdiction
The Jurisdiction of Workers Comp subcontractors WC coverage. A question asked by a peer always draws my attention. I received this question from one of my peers in the Workers Comp world.
A client of ours uses subcontractors as a part of their construction contracts. The subcontractors have provided valid certificates on insurance for Workers Comp coverage for any of their employees. The subcontractors sometimes cross state lines into another state to take materials to a landfill and to pick up materials.
The premium auditor has billed the client for a large sum of $ as they have said that part of the job involves another state that is not on the certificates of insurance. Can the carrier charge the client premium for their subcontractors as they are operating out of state for part of their job? Who would have the responsibility if a claim was filed in the other state if there was an injury?
I will answer this in two parts – one today and one tomorrow. There are many variables to examine to see if the premium should be charged to the client or to the subcontractors. If there are no out of state provisions on the certificates of insurance then a premium auditor will charge the main contractor for Workers Compensation insurance in another state. I am not inferring that the auditor would be correct, but one could not fault them for adding in a risk premium.
However, there are many particulars such as in which state the certificates cover and what state are they crossing over into to dump and obtain materials. This is definitely one for a premium review for the employer.
I will address what would likely happen if there was an injury in the non-covered state. Trucking companies have to address this very often. We have to thank Mr. Walsh for the next post.
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