Pennsylvania healthcare workers face workers' comp risks that are unique to patient care: patient handling injuries, needlestick incidents, workplace violence, and exposure to infectious diseases. Healthcare is a major PA employer sector with well-developed insurance options.
Healthcare ranks among the highest-injury-rate industries in Pennsylvania. Patient handling (lifting, transferring) is the leading cause of musculoskeletal injuries. Home health aides face additional risks traveling to patient homes. Loss costs vary significantly by healthcare sub-type.
2026 Workers' Comp Rates for Healthcare in Pennsylvania
Based on 2026 PCRB loss costs · LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Includes $350 expense constant + PA 2.18% assessment. Actual carrier premiums will vary.
| Class Code | Description | Loss Cost | $50K Payroll | $100K Payroll | $250K Payroll | $500K Payroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 893 | INTERMEDIATE UNIT | $0.394 | $660 | $962 | $1,867 | $3,377 |
* LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Expense constant $350 · PA Act 57 assessment 2.18%
Common Workers' Comp Risks in Healthcare
- ▸ Patient handling and lifting injuries
- ▸ Needlestick and sharps injuries
- ▸ Workplace violence from patients
- ▸ Exposure to infectious diseases
- ▸ Slips and falls in clinical environments
- ▸ Motor vehicle accidents for home health workers
How to Reduce Your Workers' Comp Cost in Healthcare
Industry-specific strategies that lower your premium — not generic advice.
- Implement safe patient handling programs with mechanical lift equipment
- Train staff on needlestick prevention and sharps disposal protocols
- Develop workplace violence prevention policies for clinical settings
- Carefully separate clinical staff from administrative/clerical payroll
- For home health agencies, maintain vehicle insurance for staff who transport patients
Calculate Your Healthcare Workers' Comp Premium
Enter your actual payroll, class code, LCM, and EMR for a personalized 2026 estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Healthcare Workers' Comp in PA
What class codes do healthcare businesses use in Pennsylvania?
Healthcare uses several codes: Code 834 (Hospital - professional employees), Code 835 (Hospital - other employees), Code 832 (Home health aide), Code 836 (Nursing home), and Code 893 (Dentist office). The right code depends on the type of facility and the specific role of each employee. See the full PA class code directory for details.