Securing coverage for high-risk workers’ comp insurance can be daunting. Standard markets often decline these accounts due to high experience modification rates (MODs), extensive claim histories, or inherent industry exposures. Industries such as staffing, construction, transportation, and healthcare frequently fall into this high-risk category. These complex risks rarely fit traditional underwriting models and demand a specialty approach.
At Landmark Wholesale, we offer access to hard-to-place markets, custom programs, and dedicated claims advocacy. This article equips agents with practical insight to navigate high-risk industries and place even the toughest workers’ comp accounts.
Why High-Risk Workers’ Comp Requires a Different Approach
Traditional underwriting models often fail when faced with non-standard exposures. High turnover, hazardous job functions, and multi-jurisdictional operations require a more flexible, experienced partner — one that understands the nuances of specialty markets and loss-sensitive programs.
What Makes a Risk High?
Several factors can push an account into the high-risk category:
- Industries with frequent or severe injuries, such as lifting, driving, or heavy machinery operation
- Multi-state payrolls, temporary or contract labor, and high turnover (as seen in workers’ comp for staffing agencies)
- Poor MOD history, open claims, or a lack of formal safety and compliance protocols
Challenges Agents Face
These accounts often trigger:
- Last-minute non-renewals from carriers
- Limited or no quotes from standard markets
- Client frustration and pressure to secure fast solutions
- Confusion between options like state funds, PEOs, captives, or large-deductible programs
Industry Spotlights: Where Standard Markets Say No
Each high-risk industry has its own complexities. Below are some of the most common sectors where Landmark steps in to help agents secure workers’ comp when others won’t.
Staffing Agencies
Securing workers’ comp for staffing agencies is notoriously difficult due to rotating employees, inconsistent worksites, and payroll complexity. These accounts often face classification issues and high turnover, making standard carriers reluctant to engage.
Landmark offers programs built for staffing firms, with transparent pricing, detailed classification strategies, and active claims advocacy to help reduce long-term costs and risk.
Construction & Contractors
The world of construction workers’ comp insurance is full of challenges — frequent injuries, subcontractor confusion, and wrap-up program complications. It’s even more difficult when dealing with contractor workers’ comp for independent or mobile crews.
Landmark’s solutions are designed to navigate these roadblocks with structured, flexible coverage and expert support that simplifies placement even for high-exposure trades.
Transportation & Delivery
In transportation insurance programs, driving exposures, DOT compliance, and unclear job classifications create headaches for agents. Last-mile delivery and long-haul trucking risks are often excluded from standard programs.
Landmark gives agents access to niche transportation markets tailored to risk-prone delivery, logistics, and freight businesses.
Manufacturing & Healthcare
The combination of repetitive strain and lifting injuries makes manufacturing workers’ comp and healthcare workers’ comp difficult to place — especially when MODs are climbing or return to work programs are inconsistent.
Landmark supports agents with proactive claims strategies and coverage solutions for these sectors, helping employers reduce long-term claims costs and maintain compliance.
Oil & Gas, Security, and Agriculture
Remote environments, hazardous materials, and unpredictable job conditions make oil and gas workers’ comp one of the most excluded sectors in traditional markets. Security and agricultural risks face similar barriers.
We help agents secure coverage through alternative markets and industry-specific programs, including large-deductible and captive options when appropriate.
Collaborate & Grow
When risk complexity increases, so does the need for partnership. Landmark Wholesale is more than just a PEO or ASO solution — we help agents tackle MOD challenges, manage open claims, and find viable options for clients facing urgent coverage needs.
We provide access to specialty workers’ comp programs, real-time portals, claims advocates, and submission tools like Canopy Connect. Whether you’re working with a construction foreman, staffing firm, or a cross-state delivery fleet, Landmark helps you show up prepared.
Facing a tough placement? Get appointed or send a submission, and let Landmark help you address the risk others can’t.
About Landmark Wholesale
Landmark is a nationally licensed facility specializing in tough-to-place risks, with a focus on securing alternate workers’ comp solutions. From PEOs to specialty programs, we offer access to coverage solutions other wholesalers can’t. Our recent placements include complex risks in staffing, transportation, and construction sectors, demonstrating our ability to secure coverage where others fail. Partner with Landmark Wholesale to expand your market reach and retain your hardest-to-place clients.
