Health & Safety Division

Melissa Hamsher, Division Chief
717-886-9125
mehamsher@pa.gov

Twyla Jones, Certification Manager
717-886-9118
twjones@pa.gov

Vacant, Report Processing and Audit Manager

Eric Reiner, Program Analyst 1
717-886-9159
erreiner@pa.gov

For information about the Health & Safety Division's processes and requirements, e-mail the Health & Safety Division at ra-li-bwc-safety@pa.gov or contact any of the division personnel below:

Arranging Committee Training Assistance: To arrange for free training in the four topics (accident investigation, hazard inspection, safety committee operation, and substance abuse & opioid painkiller use ) required for initial workplace safety committee certification or annual certification renewal, call 717-772-1635 or e-mail Ra-li-bwc-PATHS@pa.gov.

The Governor's Award for Safety Excellence (GASE) recognizes outstanding workplace safety programs and the superior management/employee collaborations that make these programs so successful. Any Pennsylvania employer can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party.

Workplace injuries, illnesses, and accidents are costly to employers, workers, and the compensation partnership.  Although preventing injuries is the best way to protect workers and to control workers’ compensation costs, employers and workers need a way to manage injuries if they occur.

Return-to-Work (RTW) is a proactive approach, endorsed by many health care providers, designed to help restore injured workers to their former lifestyle in the safest and most effective manner possible. A partnership among workers, union representatives, employers, and health care providers is developed in a collaborative effort to return the injured worker back to his or her pre-injury status.

This information is designed to assist Pennsylvania employers and employees with the process of establishing Return-to-Work programs.  It includes a step-by-step guide for establishing a Return-to-Work program and samples of power point presentations, forms, letters, and much more. 

The following resources are available to answer your WCAIS questions. Please contact the appropriate program area:

Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC)
Information Services Helpline:
Toll-Free inside PA: 800-482-2383
Local outside PA: 717-772-4447
Email: RA-LI-BWC-Helpline@pa.gov

Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication (WCOA)

Questions regarding disputes in litigation should be directed to the assigned Judge's office.

Email: WCOAResourceCenter@pa.gov
Phone: 844-237-6316

Workers' Compensation Appeal Board (WCAB)
Email: RA-LI-WCAB@pa.gov
Phone: 717-783-7838

Program Overview

Pennsylvania’s Certified Workplace Safety Committee Program supports employers in creating safer work environments while reducing workers’ compensation costs.  Employers who achieve and maintain certification earn a 5% workers’ compensation premium discount.

Certification Snapshot

Total Number of Certified Committees: 5559 (Current)

Total Number of Initially Certified Committees: 13,568 (Cumulative)

Financial Impact

Cumulative Employer Premium Savings:
Initial Certification Savings: $97,627,005*
Renewal Savings: $856,199,186
Total Program Savings: $953,826,191

Employee Reach

Certified Committees represent at total of 1,674,255 employees

Program Significance

This statewide initiative continues to demonstrate measurable value across Pennsylvania.  Certified Workplace Safety Committees help foster safer workplaces, support strong safety culture, and encourage proactive approaches to injury prevention and cost control.

*As of December 24, 2025