If informal processes fail: • OAH judges conduct formal hearings. • Certain decisions can be appealed to the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals and, in some cases, to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Parties may be represented by attorneys at any stage but are not always required to have counsel.
Controlling workers’ compensation costs Premiums are generally based on: • Payroll classifications (nature of the work and risk). • Employer experience rating (history of injuries and claims). Employers can help control costs by:
• Implementing strong safety and health programs and complying with MNOSHA requirements. • Using joint labor‑management safety committees where required (generally high‑hazard employers and those with more than 25 employees). • Developing wellness and ergonomics programs, training employees in safe work practices, and maintaining effective return‑to‑work policies. The MN OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation (WSC) unit at DLI offers free, non‑enforcement assistance and grants to help employers reduce hazards and claims. Buying workers’ compensation coverage Minnesota workers’ compensation insurance is sold by private insurers through licensed agents under an open‑competition system: • All policies must provide the coverage mandated by law; differences are primarily in price and service (claims handling, safety support, responsiveness). • Employers should compare quotes from multiple agents and carriers, reviewing cost, claims service, safety resources, and reputation. Alternatives: • Self‑insurance (individual or group) is available to some larger or financially strong employers with approval from the Department of Commerce; many hire third‑party administrators to handle claims. • Employers that cannot obtain coverage on the voluntary market may purchase insurance through the Assigned Risk Plan (residual market). DLI offers training and seminars for employers on controlling workers’ compensation costs and understanding legal requirements; current offerings are available through DLI’s WC Training for Employers .
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