Does workers comp cover tower rescue and evacuation costs?

Workers compensation covers medical treatment and lost wages for injured employees, and medical costs include emergency evacuation and rescue expenses incurred in getting an injured climber from the tower to a medical facility. However, WC does not cover the cost of rescuing an uninjured climber who is simply stranded (equipment failure, weather), nor does it cover the cost of dedicated rescue teams or helicopter standby. For those exposures, some tower contractors carry separate rescue and evacuation coverage, often as part of an occupational accident or specialized tower policy. OSHA requires all tower contractors to have a written rescue plan (29 CFR 1926.502(d)), and the plan must ensure rescue can be accomplished within a timeframe that prevents suspension trauma. The cost of maintaining rescue capability (training, equipment, dedicated rescue personnel) is an operational expense, not an insurance claim. However, if a rescue attempt results in injury to the rescuer, that is a compensable WC claim. Some specialty tower programs include limited rescue cost coverage as a policy enhancement. Confirm with your carrier whether rescue and evacuation costs are covered under your medical payments or require a separate endorsement.