(a) In lieu of the benefits afforded pursuant to Division 4 (commencing with Section 3200) and Division 4.7 (commencing with Section 6200) of the Labor Code, the district may agree to provide workers’ compensation benefits to its stevedore employees in amounts, and under such conditions, as would be payable to stevedore employees of private employers pursuant to the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 901, et seq.).
(b) Such an agreement shall be binding upon the parties only if it is in writing and signed by the employee and by a representative of the district. It shall acknowledge, in writing, that the benefits agreed upon are authorized by this section and are expressly in lieu of any benefits available under Division 4 (commencing with Section 3200) and Division 4.7 (commencing with Section 6200) of the Labor Code.
(c) All claims for benefits against the district which are authorized by this section shall be determined pursuant to law and the rules and regulations of the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. To the fullest extent possible, the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board shall attempt to apply the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act to employees covered by this section in the same manner as applicable to private employees.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 11779 and 11870 of the Insurance Code or any other provision of law, the State Compensation Insurance Fund or any private insurer may provide insurance coverage for the benefits authorized by this section.
(Added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 739.)