Brooklyn, New York Woodworking Company Ordered To Close For Operating Without Workers' Compensation Insurance

New York, NY (CompNewsNetwork) - New York State Workers' Compensation Board Chair Zachary S. Weiss ordered a Brooklyn woodworker to shut down for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance.

Board compliance officers served a Stop-Work Order on OM Woodworking Inc. at 124 30th Street after a Board investigation revealed that company president, Doodmath Seenath, employs day laborers but does not carry workers' compensation insurance.

The law requires all businesses with full- or part-time employees to carry insurance to cover workers injured on the job. Reform legislation signed by Gov. Spitzer in March gives the Board Chair the authority to assess financial penalties and close a noncompliant business until it secures appropriate coverage.

"We hope that by issuing these Stop-Work Orders, businesses get the message that workers' compensation insurance is required to cover all workers," Weiss said. "The Stop-Work Order gives us a powerful tool to ensure that noncompliant businesses secure proper insurance and protections for their workers."

The Board can now assess a business $1,000 for every 10 days it is out of compliance. A business can apply for reinstatement once it shows proof of workers' compensation coverage. OM Woodworking accumulated $31,183 in restitution and penalties.

The Workers' Compensation Board equitably and fairly administers the provisions of the New York State Workers' Compensation Law on behalf of New York's injured workers and their employers. To report workers' compensation fraud, call 888-363-6001.