Workforce Safety & Insurance

Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) is the state agency responsible for administering North Dakota’s workers’ compensation system. It provides insurance coverage for employers, manages claims for injured workers, and offers return‑to‑work programs designed to facilitate timely recovery. In addition to core insurance services, WSI delivers workplace safety training, risk assessment consultations, and educational resources aimed at reducing occupational injuries and illnesses. These services are available to all public and private employers operating within the state, as well as to their employees who suffer work‑related injuries.

WSI’s distinguishing attributes stem from its exclusive statutory role as the sole provider of workers’ compensation in North Dakota, which gives it a unique regulatory and service mandate. The agency emphasizes a proactive safety culture, partnering with employers to implement preventive measures that lower incident rates and associated costs. Its programs are informed by data collected from claims and safety inspections, allowing it to tailor interventions to specific industries and hazards. This focus on both compensation and prevention positions WSI as a key stakeholder in the state’s broader occupational health and safety framework.

Structurally, WSI operates as a governmental entity under the authority of the North Dakota Legislative Assembly and is overseen by the state’s executive branch. It is not a private corporation but a public agency funded primarily through employer premiums collected for workers’ compensation coverage. The agency reports to the governor and the legislature, ensuring transparency and accountability in its administration of the workers’ compensation fund. As a state department, WSI aligns its operations with North Dakota’s public policy objectives concerning worker protection and workplace safety.