Oklahoma Workers Compensation Insurance-Workmans Compensation

Oklahoma Workers Compensation Rules

Oklahoma Workers Compensation

1. Does my Oklahoma business need workers compensation insurance?

Oklahoma state law requires employers to provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees, even if the employer only has one part-time employee.

2. In Oklahoma who can exempt themselves from Workers Compensation Insurance?

An employee is prohibited from waiving his or her rights to be covered by workers' compensation
insurance. Any waiver agreement is invalid and any employer who deducts the cost of workers'
compensation insurance from an employee's wages is subject to being charged with a misdemeanor.

While coverage is mandatory for all employers, there are a few exceptions. Domestic or household employees where total payroll is less than $10,000 annually, agricultural or horticultural employees where total payroll is less than $100,000 annually, certain licensed real estate sales persons and brokers, and employees covered under Federal laws.

Exemptions also exist for individuals who own an equity interest in a business.
To qualify for the exemption, the individual must meet one of the following criteria:

* Be a sole proprietor

* Be a partner in a partnership

* Own ten percent (10%) or more of the shares of stock in a corporation

* Own ten percent (10%) or more of the capital in a limited liability company

Exemptions for small family businesses may also be available. To qualify for the exemption, the employer must have five (5) or fewer employees, all of whom are related by blood or marriage to the employer.

3. Does Oklahoma workers compensation law have specific requirements for subcontractors/contractors and sole proprietors?

There are no special requirements listed in Oklahoma law pertaining to sub-contractors/contractors.

Sole proprietors may exclude themselves from workers' compensation coverage. However, these individuals may choose to obtain workers' compensation insurance for themselves.

Employee Leasing and Staffing Companies

Using a PEO or staffing company to obtain your workers compensation may be a good alternative to purchasing your own workers compensation policy. Leasing companies handle your payroll, w-2 forms, unemployment and workers compensation claims. In many cases the down payment required to obtain a new workers compensation policy is high and many new businesses cannot afford the down payment. Another advantage, based on my experience, is that you will never get audited because you pay as you go for your coverage. We represent numerous leasing and staffing companies who in many cases offer deep discounts on your workers compensation coverage that you will not find from standard workers compensation insurance carriers.

USL&H & The Jones Act

We have excellent workers compensation programs for these specialty risks requiring this endorsement. If you are unsure and want to read either the USL&H or Jones Act I have provided helpful links below for you convenience. I have found them to be the most detailed and good resources on the laws.

If you need a quote that requires this coverage

Click Here for a USL&H Quote

Click here for the complete USL&H Act, courtesy of Cornell University.
Click here for: USL&H & Jones Act Information
Defense Base Act Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation

Oklahoma Workers Compensation

Oklahoma Workers Compensation Links

Oklahoma Workers Comp. Court
Oklahoma Department of Labor-Forms and Publications
Oklahoma Workers Compensation FAQ's
Workers Compensation Court Meeting Notices