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

Safety Committee Initial Certifications and Certification Renewals For
5 Percent Workers' Compensation Discount

Total Number of Initially-Cerftified Committees:
5,680

Approximate Cumulative Total of Employer Premium Savings for:
Initial Savings - $97,405,867*
Renewal Savings - $853,173,980*
TOTAL - $950,579,847*
Committees Represent Total of 1,671,736 Employees

*As of November 20, 2025