PERMA is a membership association that partners with public entities throughout New York state – especially municipalities – to provide comprehensive workplace safety and risk management solutions as well as strategic Workers’ Compensation coverage.
Our Board of Directors is composed of municipal representatives elected by the PERMA membership. We understand the constraints and risks involved with operating a municipality in today’s challenging environment.
PERMA’s remarkable member retention rate of 97% is evidence of our commitment to personal service and diligent attention to members’ needs, assigning a dedicated team to each member. We share the same goal: containing costs for public entities and taxpayers by reducing avoidable risks and expenses associated with workplace safety and Workers’ Comp.
More Than Workers’ Comp
- Risk Management Services
Risk Analytics
Facilities Risk Assessment
Training Programs
Self-Directed Learning Resources - Administrative Support Services
Guidance on HR employee handbook
Catastrophic Event Counseling
Cybersecurity
Attorney Referral Program
- Claims Handling
- Education and Events
PERMA conducts on-site visits to help members maintain federal (OSHA) and state (PESH) compliance and prepare for inspections.
Training Programs
PERMA membership includes a wide range of online and in-person training options that satisfy specific training requirements for diverse public entities, including:
- Workplace violence & sexual harassment
- Personal protective equipment
- Hazard communication/Right-to-Know
- Safety Coordinator training & certification
- Crossing Guard training
- Vehicle & driver safety
- and more!
Facilities Risk Assessment
We work together to assess current practices, policies and procedures and provide recommendations that promote a safe and healthy workplace. PERMA conducts on-site visits or remote video inspections to help members maintain federal (OSHA) and state (PESH) compliance and prepare for inspections.
Personalized Claims Handling
PERMA offers dedicated claims administration utilizing nurse-driven case management and proactive case analysts. Registered Nurse Patient Advocates help implement a transitional duty program that reduces costs by returning injured employees safely to the workplace in less time. Our programs make returning to work a team effort by the injured employee, medical provider, employer and PERMA.
A Wise Investment
PERMA is a self-insured pool into which members make annual contributions – building equity rather than paying premiums. The association has an asset base of over $300 million. Our financial health and commitment to transparency and ethics has been recognized with a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting every year since 2000 by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
When PERMA was a new alternative on the Workers’ Comp scene in the 1980s, Cathryn Thomas was town supervisor with the Town of Webster. They found the idea of a member-owned group into which they would pay equity appealing and joined PERMA.
Thomas is now with the Village of East Aurora – and still with PERMA.
“They offer so many value-add features, and you’re always going to be happy with your service.”
– Cathryn Thomas, Village Administrator & PERMA Board Member
For More Information
PERMA Comprises over 600 Public Entities
Partner Profile
PERMA's Mission
PERMA strives to be the best partner to public employers in New York State by providing Workers’ Compensation coverage, customized workplace solutions, delivering exceptional value with membership, and prioritizing personal and dedicated service to members and their employees.
Governance
PERMA was created by municipalities for municipalities and other public entities in New York State and is governed by a Board of Directors composed of municipal members elected to represent the membership.