Small Business Coverage and Peace of Mind
The name Alaska is derived from the Aleut word, “Aleyska,” meaning “great land.” While the state is known for its strong oil, gas and fishing industries; tourism also attracts over 1.1 million visitors annually. In fact, the tourism industry is Alaska’s second largest primary employer.1
Alaska Workers’ Compensation Laws and Requirements
In the state of Alaska, most employers with one or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance unless they have been approved as a self-insurer by the Alaska Workers’ compensation board.2 The Alaska Division of Workers’ Compensation is the agency charged with administering the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Act (Act). In the event that a worker suffers a work-related injury or occupational disease, the Act requires employers or their insurance carriers to pay benefits, which can include:3
- Medical expenses
- Disability and impairment benefits which includes a percentage of lost wages
- Reemployment benefits (costs related to vocational retraining for qualifying workers)
- Death benefits payable to the dependents of the employee in the event of a fatal work-related injury or occupational disease. This can include funeral expenses and other benefits.
According to the Alaska Department of Labor, uninsured employers are directly liable for all costs and benefits related to uninsured workers’ compensation claims. In addition, business owners can face fines of up to $1,000 per employee for each day that they fail to provide workers’ compensation insurance.4
Getting the Right Workers’ Compensation Insurance for your Alaska Business
Beyond the legal requirements for Alaska businesses, workers’ compensation insurance is a smart investment to help provide protection for both your employees and your business in the event of a workplace accident or occupational disease. Workers’ compensation insurance can be purchased from a commercial insurance carrier licensed to insure in Alaska. When choosing an insurance carrier, look for one that provides the right coverage at a competitive price and offers value added services such as:
- Loss control support that includes resources to help reduce workplace injuries and occupational diseases, improving productivity and long term profitability.
- Efficient claim handling that provides prompt service to injured workers while Claim Adjusters help control claim costs by working with the injured worker and physicians to help evaluate and administer the appropriate care.
- Fraud prevention resources can help mitigate workers’ compensation fraud and lower the cost of workers’ compensation insurance.
Getting Workers’ Compensation Insurance with EMPLOYERS
At EMPLOYERS we have over 100 years of experience exclusively serving the workers’ compensation insurance needs of America’s small businesses. We also offer many value added services such as cash flow assistance with flexible payment plans, loss control support and fraud prevention.
Alaska’s Workmans’ Comp Coverage You Need
Request a quote today and learn how EMPLOYERS provides cost-effective workers’ compensation insurance and services to Alaska businesses like yours.
Thousands of small businesses trust EMPLOYERS for providing cost-effective workers’ compensation insurance for over a century. With our competitive pricing, financial stability and dependability, claims service, safety training and risk advisory programs, EMPLOYERS remains focused on keeping America’s small businesses not only working, but working safely.
1. Alaska.gov https://alaska.gov/kids/learn/economy.htm
2. Alaska Division of Workers’ Compensation. https://labor.alaska.gov/wc/er-profit.html
3. Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. https://labor.alaska.gov/wc/wc-and-you.htm
4. Alaska Department of Labor Workers’ Compensation Division. https://labor.state.ak.us/wc/forms/WC-SIU_Brochure.pdf