The official Pennsylvania agencies, employer forms, and deadlines in one place — so when an injury happens, you’re executing a checklist instead of searching for one.

Official Pennsylvania resources

• PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation — the state agency (Dept. of Labor & Industry)
• PCRB — Pennsylvania’s rating bureau (loss costs, classifications)
• Verify an employer’s coverage — PCRB’s public policy search
• WC claim forms — L&I’s official forms library

Key employer forms

Pennsylvania claims run through WCAIS, the state’s online claims system. The First Report of Injury establishes the claim (claim administrators typically generate the LIBC-90 through WCAIS), and injured workers receive the LIBC-100 pamphlet explaining their rights. Most employer filings in PA are handled electronically by your carrier once you report promptly.

What to do when an employee is injured

1. Get the employee medical care — if you’ve properly posted a panel of physicians, employees generally treat within the panel for the first 90 days
2. Report the injury to your carrier immediately so the First Report is filed through WCAIS
3. Give the employee the LIBC-100 pamphlet (injured worker rights) and document the incident
4. Track the 21-day window: the carrier must accept, deny, or temporarily accept the claim within 21 days of notice
5. Keep your posted physician panel current — it’s the most commonly botched piece of PA compliance

Deadlines that matter

Employees must give notice within 21 days for benefits to run from the injury date, and no later than 120 days for compensation to be allowed at all. If a claim is denied, the employee has three years from the injury date to file a claim petition.

For rate context, see Pennsylvania workers’ comp rates, or start with our full Pennsylvania coverage guide. Need proof of coverage for a contract? We issue same-day certificates.

Pennsylvania forms FAQs

How do I verify a subcontractor’s workers’ comp coverage in Pennsylvania?

Use the PCRB’s public policy search — it returns current coverage information for Pennsylvania employers by name. Pair it with certificates naming you as holder for a complete file.

What is WCAIS?

The Workers’ Compensation Automation and Integration System — Pennsylvania’s online portal where claims, petitions, and filings are managed. Your carrier handles most filings, but employers can register to track claims.

How long does an employee have to report an injury in PA?

Notice within 21 days preserves benefits from the injury date; notice after 120 days generally bars compensation. Claim petitions must be filed within three years of the injury.