NY Workers’ Comp Group Demands COVID-19 Protections

The New York Workers’ Compensation Alliance is calling on the state government to guarantee that workers’ compensation will include COVID-19 workplace exposure for all workers. The alliance is calling on the state government to make changes to legislation including the following:

Amend Section Three of the state Workers’ Compensation Law to include all work that results in exposure to COVID-19.

Amend the Workers’ Compensation Law to provide for full benefits until injured workers can return to their job, create a presumption that those on Social Security disability have a permanent total disability, and amend the administration of the system to guarantee that no case is closed without a hearing and a decision in the injured worker’s language.

Amend the Volunteer Ambulance and Firefighter’s Law to provide coverage to volunteers exposed to COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Amend the Retirement and Social Security Law to create presumptions for those who become disabled or die due to COVID-19 as a result of the performance of their duties, making them eligible for a 75% pension benefit.