The following are some general (non-industry specific) frequently asked questions pertaining to the workers' compensation system.
Safety
Frequently asked questions are separated into categories. Click on the question below to expand the section and see the answer.
A1: The first step is an inspection. It is important to know the extent of the risks and hazards that your employees face on a daily basis. With this in mind, the next steps include reducing those hazards and risks through training, work flow design, individual awareness, and most of all, supervisory and managerial staff taking an active role in following the safety program.
A2: The WCA provides four different options for getting your inspection completed:
You can ask your insurance company to do it for you.
You can hire a third party safety company to inspect your business.
You can do it yourself using the basic check sheet found on our website.
You can ask us to do it.
Inspections done by the WCA are free of charge. Just get it scheduled. We will train a member of your staff on how to inspect, and will provide you with a check sheet.
You can ask your insurance company to do it for you.
You can hire a third party safety company to inspect your business.
You can do it yourself using the basic check sheet found on our website.
You can ask us to do it.
Inspections done by the WCA are free of charge. Just get it scheduled. We will train a member of your staff on how to inspect, and will provide you with a check sheet.
A3: Probably not. While there are pros and cons to each of the options listed in Q2, the last option comes with a training process so your internal safety person or members of your management team can be taught how to conduct inspections, then return back to their work locations and conduct them. Please remember that in order for your inspection to be complete, you need to inspect all of your facilities in New Mexico.
A4: Please don't. You can find an Affidavit just for this purpose on our website or call the safety program at 1-800-255-7965 and ask to speak with a safety consultant. Once you have completed the affidavit, attach a listing of all addresses to the affidavit and mail it in.
A5: Only those businesses that pay an annual premium of $15,000 or more on their workers' compensation insurance, or to their self-insured program or are an individual self-insured entity must comply with the inspection requirement. Nonetheless, all other companies are strongly urged to do this. For companies that are required to have an inspection, the program does come with a penalty for non-compliance. A hearing may be held to determine if the inspection was done and the Workers' Compensation Administration was informed in a timely manner. If not, your business could face a penalty of up to $5,000.
A6: If you pay $15,000 in annual workers' compensation insurance premiums, or are self-insured or in a self-insurance pool, you are required to comply with safety inspections, and send us the affidavit of completion.
A7: Call the Administration at 1-800-255-7965, and ask to speak to a safety consultant.
