(a) An insured employer may make application to the department for the certification of any established safety committee operative within its workplace developed for the purpose of hazard detection, accident prevention and providing information regarding the risks associated with substance abuse, including opioid painkiller use. The department shall develop such certification criteria.

(a.1) Within twenty-one (21) days,¹ the department shall notify, develop and make available resources for employers to comply with this section.

(b) Upon the renewal of the employer's workers' compensation policy next following receipt of department certification, the employer shall receive an annual five per centum discount in the rate or rates applicable to the policy if the employer, on a form prescribed by the department, provides annual verification to the department and to the employer's insurer that the safety committee continues to be operative and continues to meet the certification requirements.