The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is committed to promoting safety and health in the workplace. However, in the event of an accident, the Chamber supports the payment of benefits to employees injured as the result of work-related occupational injuries and illnesses. The Chamber opposes any amendments that further erode employers’ protections under the Workers’ Compensation law and/or provide benefits without regard to employers’ rights, interests and concerns.  Only eligible individuals with a legitimate, work-related injury or illness should receive benefits.

The following elements should always be part of Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation law and program:

• Except for total or partial impairment or specific loss, workers’ compensation benefits should partially replace wages lost because of compensable work-place injury or illness.
• The “exclusivity doctrine” of workers’ compensation must be protected.
• The administration of the workers’ compensation system must be timely and ensure that the rights of employees and employers are equally protected.

The following principles should be incorporated into Workers’ Compensation benefit structures:

• Benefits are only for legitimate, work-related occupational injuries and illnesses.
• Benefits are adequate and do not create a disincentive to return to work.
• In the event of work-related occupational injuries and illnesses, employers are responsible for providing for proper, reasonable, and quality medical care. Employees are responsible for accepting proper, reasonable, and quality medical care and advice so as to recover as fully and quickly as possible. The ultimate goal should be to return employees to productive, gainful employment.

Approved by the Policy Committee on 2/12/10.
Approved by the Board of Directors on 4/29/10.