Even with thorough safety precautions in place, accidents still happen in the workplace, and sometimes people get hurt on the job. When workplace injuries happen, workers are given benefits thanks to workers’ compensation, a system designed to keep workers safe and cared for after an incident. Here is your guide to workers’ compensation, how businesses benefit from providing it, and which injuries qualify for workers’ compensation insurance.
What is Workers Compensation Insurance?
Workers’ compensation insurance exists to help workers who are injured on the job and the companies who hired them. Workers’ compensation can differ from state to state; however, employees are often given time off, legal representation, as well as their medical bills 4covered.
With workers’ compensation coverage, workers can take necessary time off to recover after a workplace-related injury and receive compensation from their employer. This compensation could come in the form of legal representation, covered medical expenses, recovered wages, disability benefits, and, if necessary, funeral costs. Workers’ compensation insurance also helps employers make sure they have a system in place if an employee is injured.
Workers’ compensation is required for all businesses in Massachusetts, so if your business operates in MA, your business must carry workers’ compensation insurance.
If you choose to operate without workers’ compensation coverage in Massachusetts, you’ll undoubtedly face penalties. Not only can the state of Massachusetts order a stop-work order, forcing you to shut down your business, but you can also incur hefty monetary fines.
What Are The Most Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries?
It’s easy to think that workers are only injured in factories, warehouses, or other high-production settings, but this is inaccurate. Most common workers’ compensation injuries could happen in almost any workplace, even an office.
You may be wondering which injuries qualify for workers’ compensation. If an injury is work-related and/or happened in the workplace, chances are, it counts toward workers’ compensation.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most common workers’ compensation injuries are as follows:
- Strains
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Sprains
- Punctures
The most common workers’ compensation injuries could happen regardless of your industry. Thus, it’s even more important to ensure that your small business has solid workers’ compensation coverage in place.
If you’re looking for workers’ compensation insurance coverage for your small business, please reach out to us at Brabo Payroll!
We are a well-respected local payroll company that offers businesses payroll service solutions, workers’ benefits, and insurance.
