By North Dakota WSI staff
Ensuring that your firefighters, whether volunteers or full-time professionals, are covered by workers’ compensation is crucial. In North Dakota, Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) is the sole provider of workers’ compensation coverage and insures all firefighters statewide, paid or volunteer.
Coverage Basics
WSI provides coverage for both volunteer and paid firefighters, with slight differences in how premiums are calculated for each group.
Paid firefighters, including chiefs, are classified under code 7700. Premiums are based on taxable payroll, with a wage cap that limits the amount subject to premiums. Here’s how it works:
- Wage cap: 70% of North Dakota’s average annual wage
- Current wage cap: $43,800 for fiscal year 2024-25
- Base rate: $3.27 per $100 of payroll (up to the wage cap)
These numbers are updated annually on July 1. For the latest figures, view the Classification Manual on our website workforcesafety.com/employers/forms-resources.
Volunteer firefighters are under rate classification code 7710, but premiums are based on the population of the municipality they serve, rather than payroll. The current rate is: $57.37 per 100 people.
Volunteer departments must maintain an up-to-date roster of active volunteers. WSI may request this roster at any time.
Having an active account with WSI isn’t just a requirement, it’s a safeguard. Departments that fail to set up an account and secure coverage can face steep penalties, including the full cost of any claims. However, all North Dakota employees are still covered by WSI, even if their employer doesn’t have coverage in place.
Benefits Overview
While premium details matter, the primary focus is on the benefits provided when someone is injured or becomes ill.
All covered workers in North Dakota, including firefighters, are eligible for:
- Full medical coverage for work-related injuries (no deductibles or co-pay)
- Wage replacement if they can’t work
- Retraining and vocational rehabilitation, if needed
- Permanent impairment and disability benefits
- Death benefits, include up to $10,000 in funeral costs
Special protection for full-time paid firefighters
Full-time paid firefighters and law enforcement officers receive presumption coverage for certain conditions. This means for these workers, specific health conditions are presumed to be job-related, removing the burden of proof from the employee.
Presumption coverage includes:
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Lung disease
- Occupational cancers (for full-time paid firefighters)
Filing and Managing a Claim
In the event of an injury, submit a First Report of Injury to WSI as soon as possible, online at www.workforcesafety.com/WSI/ofroi/OFroiGeneral.aspx. A claims adjuster will then be assigned to manage the claim and coordinate benefits. Chiefs can track claim status and communicate with WSI by calling our Customer Service department at 800-777-5033.
Keeping your account current, maintaining rosters, and understanding how to report injuries are key steps in protecting your firefighters. If you haven’t already, create an employer account on myWSI,https://mywsi.workforcesafety.com/, to make payments, update account information, and more. For more information on classifications, premium rates, or the claims process visit workforcesafety.com or contact WSI directly at 800-777-5033.