New California Workers’ Compensation Posting and Pamphlet Requirement

Deadline: October 8, 2010

All California employers must post a new workers’ compensation notice and must distribute a new workers’ compensation benefits pamphlet to new hires by October 8, 2010.

California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has recently enacted regulations that require employers within California to post a new poster entitled “Notice to Employees – Injuries Caused by Work.” This updated notice is available on the DWC website.

The new poster must be placed in a conspicuous location frequented by employees.  Failure to post the notice by the October 8 deadline can result in up to $7,000 in civil penalties.

All California employers must also distribute a new pamphlet entitled “Your Rights to Workers’ Compensation Benefits” to all new employees who commence work on or after October 8, 2010.  Such employees must receive this pamphlet either at time of hire or before the end of their first pay period.  Please visit the California Chamber of Commerce Online Store to purchase a stack of these pamphlets.

All California employers within an existing Medical Provider Network (MPN) must create and post a special MPN Notice and distribute copies to any employee injured on the job on or after October 8, 2010.  (A “Medical Provider Network” is comprised of doctors, hospitals or other medical providers who contract directly with the employer to treat its workers injured on the job).

DWC also updated the workers’ compensation claim form (DWC-1), effective as of October 8, 2010.  Please use the updated form available at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/forms/ClaimForm2010.pdf for all workers’ compensation claims on or after October 8, 2010.

If you have any questions, please call or email me or any of our other employment law attorneys.   Best, Cindy Bamforth