Discounted Workers’ Compensation Rates

Certified Logger Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rate: A Reward for Safety and Professionalism

Logging is a demanding and high-risk profession, but companies that prioritize safety and professionalism deserve recognition. That is why Master Logger Certified (MLC) companies in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont qualify for certified logger or safety certified Workers’ Compensation (WC) insurance rates, which are substantially lower than standard logging industry rates.

Enrolling New Employees

  • New employees with no prior safety training experience must complete a minimum of 16 hours of initial safety training. This requirement can be met by completing the Northeast Safe Logger (NESL) online training.
  • NESL is an entry-level safety and WC compliance training program offered for free to Master Loggers. It includes 16 hours of interactive online training, done at the user’s own pace. To learn more or to register, contact masterlogger@plcoggers.org.
  • Contact your WC insurance agent to get new employees added under the certified/ safety certified logger rate.

Maintaining Eligibility

  • Employees must complete eight (8) hours of continuing safety training every two (2) years.  The Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast (PLC) offers Master Loggers free safety training that meets this requirement. For more information.
  • Employees must meet the OSHA requirement for being First Aid/CPR certified. This is typically renewed every two (2) years.

History

The Maine WC Board first recognized Master Loggers for a certified rate in 2009. Since then, there has been a significant decrease in WC rates across the board. The chart below compares the Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company (MEMIC) WC rates for certified and uncertified loggers in Maine since 2009. Similar trends can be seen in other states with certified logger or safety certified rates, like Vermont and New Hampshire.

Master Logger Certified companies set the standard for safety and professionalism in the logging industry. For more information on certified logger WC rates, or to learn how to become Master Logger Certified, please contact us at masterlogger@plcloggers.org.