The following press bulletin was received from Mark Armstrong of North Dakota Workers Compensation. Due to the timely nature of the dispatch, and the hope that regulators in other states will take notice, we are taking the unusual step of reprinting it in full, as follows:
In response to a request postmarked from the North Pole, ND Workers Compensation (NDWC) granted a request from Santa Claus for a special two-day certificate to operate. In his letter to ND Workers Compensation, Santa Claus said he wanted to make sure that he was following any and all of the laws of the state before commencing to fly his reindeer and sled for toy deliveries to all the good little girls’ and boys’ homes across the state.
In reviewing the request from Santa Claus, it was noted by ND Workers Compensation staff that Santa’s toy delivery operations falls into a number of different jobs classifications. It probably fits best as rate class 7420, which includes “Specialized Aircraft Operations,” blended with rate class 7215, which constitutes “Trucking and Hauling.” However upon further review it was noted that Mr. and Mrs. Claus run their North Pole operation as an equal partnership, and therefore under the laws of the state of North Dakota their workers’ compensation coverage would be optional.
“Even though Santa’s coverage is optional, Mr. Claus is setting a good example by asking to opt in for the coverage,” said spokesman Mark Armstrong of NDWC. “Also since ‘Putting Safety to Work’ is our motto at NDWC, we have briefed Santa on a number of brochures, articles and tips for his safe operation this Christmas.”
First, NDWC is asking that Santa make sure he has his safety belt on at all times while flying from rooftop to rooftop, and reminded Santa it would be a good idea to wear safety goggles while operating the sled. Second, ergonomics is very important, and Santa has been briefed on the proper lifting and loading of heavy boxes and packages. Third, from our fall publication, “WORKlink” there is an article NDWC shared with Santa about “Walking Safely in Winter Conditions”. Also, NDWC believes that it might not be a bad idea to follow OSHA standards for tying off securely (perhaps on the sled) before descending down the chimney.
A final note: if the children who leave hot chocolate for Santa could remember to put lids on those cups, it might prevent the hot liquid from burning Santa in his haste to and fro.
NDWC is pleased to offer these safety suggestions to Santa Claus and appreciates his devotion to ensuring that he operates safely and legally this Christmas in North Dakota.
Topics Workers' Compensation
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