Comment from Edward McDonald, Avon Dixon Agency, LLC

I am an insurance agent with 25 years experience, and I am a specialist for marina and boatyard insurance. In all my years in the business, I have NEVER seen a claim submitted for USLH benefits. Claims made by workers injured on the job have been handled by the state act WC coverage successfully. State act coverage provides for medical cure, lost wages, and disability benefits etc. In other words, it completely handles the needs of an injured worker and does so at a cost deemed reasonable to the employer. Adding USLH coverage for all marinas / boatyards will increase the cost of WC by 3 or 4 times the current. It will have a devastating effect on these small businesses. The marina and boatyard industry has been hit extremely hard by the recession. Boats are a luxury item and owners will not and have not spent money on them in these hard times. Think long and hard before you act. A great number of employers / tax payers will be adversely affected by such a move. Edward G. McDonald Avon Dixon Agency, LLC Easton, MD 21601 410 822 0506