For the third year in a row, Santa Claus is being issued a special workers’ compensation certificate by North Dakota’s Workforce Safety & Insurance to operate on Christmas Eve and Day, the agency said in a statement.
Claus reportedly requested the coverage in a postcard from his North Pole location. He wanted to ensure that he was complying with the workers’ comp laws before “commencing to fly my reindeer and sled to deliver toys to all the good children of North Dakota.”
“We are issuing this certificate post haste to make sure my children and millions of other kids do not have to worry about any paperwork delaying Santa from his rounds,” said Sandy Blunt, WSI CEO and executive director.
This year, as an added bonus, WSI also issued Santa an all states policy that will allow Santa Claus to operate in all 50 states and still be covered in North Dakota. Earlier this year WSI introduced the new all states coverage to all North Dakota employers with the Michigan-based Accident Fund Insurance Company of America through insurance broker Palmer & Cay. The new policy covers all an employers’ workers who must travel out of state on a temporary or incidental basis.
“We are briefing Santa on ways to operate safely when traveling to and fro, landing on rooftops as well as entering and exiting all those chimneys,” Blunt said.
Claus reportedly assured WSI that his sled is equipped with many safety features, including a special safety harness. Since the sled is topless, Santa will wear safety goggles when operating his sled. WSI said Claus also understands that using proper lifting techniques can minimize the chances of any back injuries, always an issue for a jolly old elf his age.
Workers’ compensation coverage for Claus is optional in North Dakota, as it is for anyone who is self-employed or involved in volunteer work.
“However, we are glad to offer the optional coverage to Santa and believe he is setting a good example by opting in for the coverage,” said WSI spokesman Mark Armstrong.
Claus could not be reached by Insurance Journal for comment.
Topics Workers' Compensation
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