What are Rhode Island’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rules for Employers?

Compliance Corner

When it comes to staying on the right side of workers' compensation law, the State of Rhode Island -- and Simply Research -- have the info on insurance rules.

Here's a look at some of the basics.

Coverage Required

With limited exceptions, employers with one or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Individual owners and partners are exempt. Most corporate officers are included under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

Naming the Insurer

The state-required poster naming the employer’s insurance company or adjusting company must be displayed in the workplace. This poster is provided to employers by their insurance company.

Penalties

+ An employer who doesn’t display the required workers’ compensation poster can be fined $250.

+ An employer failing to provide the required workers’ compensation insurance may be fined $1,000 per day for each day without workers’ compensation insurance.

+ An employer may also be subject to a felony charge, and upon conviction, face a $10,000 fine and two years in prison.

+ The Department of Labor and Training Director has the authority to close any business operating without required coverage.

Notifying the Insurer

Employers are required to report a work injury to their workers’ compensation insurer. The insurer must then report it to the Department of Labor and Training within 10 days if the injury needs medical care or causes the employee to miss three or more days of full wages. Fatal injuries must be reported within 48 hours.

Questioning the Injury?

Even if an employer questions the validity of the claimed injury, the employer must report the
injury to the insurance company. This does not mean they accept responsibility. A penalty of $250 will be imposed on employers that fail to notify their insurance company of an injury.

Forms

The Workers’ Compensation documents listed below may be downloaded at dlt.ri.gov/wc:

+ Independent Contractor forms (DWC 11-IC)

+ Waiver forms (DWC-11)

+ Workers’ Compensation Poster

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