What is the RB‑89 Form and When Is It Required?
The RB‑89, also known as the "Employer's Report of Accident," is the mandatory New York State workers' compensation document that an employer must file after an employee suffers a work‑related injury or illness. Filing is required within 10 days of learning of the incident, unless the injury is minor and does not require medical treatment, in which case the employer may wait until a physician's report is issued.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Key Information the RB‑89 Must Contain
Accurate completion of the RB‑89 prevents delays in benefits and protects the employer from penalties. The form asks for:
- Employer identification: name, address, NYS‑UI account number.
- Employee details: name, Social Security number, job title, and hire date.
- Incident description: date, time, location, and a concise narrative of how the injury occurred.
- Medical information: treating physician's name, diagnosis, and whether the injury is occupational disease.
- Witnesses: names and contact information if available.
Step‑by‑Step Completion Guide
1 Gather required data: Pull payroll records, the employee's injury report, and any physician statements.
2 Access the form: Download the latest RB‑89 PDF from the New York State Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) website or use the online filing portal.
3 Fill in employer and employee sections: Double‑check UI account numbers and SSNs to avoid mismatches.
4 Describe the accident: Use factual, chronological language; avoid speculation about cause.
5 Attach supporting documents: Include the initial medical report, any photographs of the scene, and witness statements.
6 Submit: File electronically through the WCB portal for faster processing, or mail the completed form to the employer's designated Workers' Compensation Insurance carrier.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Missing or incorrect UI account numbers trigger automatic rejections. Incomplete injury narratives often lead to requests for clarification, extending the benefits timeline. To prevent these issues, use a checklist before submission and verify each field against source documents.
Filing Deadlines and Penalties
The 10‑day deadline is strict. Late filings incur a $50 penalty per day and may jeopardize the employer's coverage if the insurer deems the delay unreasonable. In extreme cases, the WCB can suspend an employer's policy until compliance is achieved.
Comparing RB‑89 Filing Options
| Method | Processing Time | Cost | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal (e‑file) | 1‑3 business days | None | Most employers, especially those with frequent claims |
| Mail (paper form) | 5‑10 business days | Postage | Small businesses preferring hard copies |
| Third‑party payroll service | Integrated with payroll cycle | Service fee | Companies outsourcing HR compliance |
Where to Find Help
The New York State Workers' Compensation Board offers a detailed filing guide, FAQs, and a toll‑free helpline (1‑800‑342‑3735). Insurance carriers also provide claim specialists who can walk employers through the RB‑89 process. For complex cases, consulting a workers' compensation attorney ensures the form meets legal standards.