Date of Graduation

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

Committee Chair

Ronald Althouse

Abstract

Workers’ compensation is a social insurance program with different attributes in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Workers’ compensation programs are largely privately funded. In all North American jurisdictions, workers’ compensation benefits are paid for by employers, through insurance premiums. More dangerous occupations have higher premium rates than do safer occupations and industries. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) makes more likely the possibility that workers from one jurisdiction, made ill or injured by their employment, will seek help in a transborder jurisdiction. A survey of North American regulators was conducted. Trucking and transportation are important industries in workers’ compensation. Workers in these industries sustain frequent injuries, and workers’ compensation insurance for these workers is expensive. Coverage related issues do not appear to pose a large problem for American and Canadian officials, as pertains to NAFTA and cross-border employment or injuries.

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