HARRISBURG – Volunteers who are injured while organizing or engaging in fundraising activities with volunteer fire departments and volunteer ambulance groups would be provided workers’ compensation coverage under legislation passed by the PA House. The Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job duties. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for workers who are unable to return to work due to a work-related injury or illness. The act defines the liability of an employer to pay damages for injuries received by an employee or volunteer in the course of employment. Volunteers of fire departments and ambulance groups who are engaged in fundraising activities are not currently protected under the act. Bill supporters say without fundraising, many of our volunteer fire departments and ambulance groups would struggle to perform their lifesaving services for their communities. These volunteers shouldn’t have to worry about how they’ll support themselves and their families because they were injured while trying to support their community. House Bill 2087 now moves to the PA Senate.
