The NY Wine and Grape Foundation is pleased to host the Workers’ Compensation Board’s Office of the Advocate for Business for a presentation on coverage essentials for businesses.

This one-hour online session will cover workers’ compensation, disability benefits, and Paid Family Leave, including insurance types, coverage requirements, and employers’ obligations under the law. We will also take a look at:

• Who needs coverage and who does not need coverage
• How and when to report an injury or illness (including COVID-19)
• Considerations when hiring independent contractors, laborers, and domestic workers
• Lowering premiums
• Penalties and where to go for assistance with them

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS…

Anthony Tomaselli

As the Workers’ Compensation Board’s Advocate for Business, Anthony leads the office that serves as the liaison between New York’s business community and the Board, providing helpful assistance to employers on issues related to workers’ compensation, disability benefits, and Paid Family Leave.

Anthony joined the Board after more than 8 years at the NYS Office of General Services, where he helped build the successful NYS Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) program. He also served at the Empire State Development Corporation, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, as a social studies teacher in the Brentwood, Seaford, and New Lebanon school districts, and as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

Walt Perretti

As a 27-year veteran with the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board, Mr. Walt Peretti was initially hired to develop the Managed Care Network / PPO Program that provided patient care for Workers’ Compensation claims. After Mr. Peretti’s successful launch of provider networks throughout NYS, this culminated into greater efficiency and enhanced treatment outcomes for workers’ compensation injuries. During his career advancement into various roles within the Board’s Compliance department, Walt was responsible for helping employers resolve their compliance issues.

Currently, he educates employers on the benefits of NYS workers’ compensation, disability insurance, and Paid Family Leave requirements. Additionally, Walt provides in-service training to Code Enforcement Officers throughout NYS and is the designated liaison between NYS agencies and authorities for procurement efforts of goods and services. As an integral part of the Advocate for Business’s unit, he responds to employer inquiries by providing guidance and resources to assist them.