What is Work Comp? Everyone seems to have an idea of what it is, but does anyone really know what it is? Great news! Hastings Mutual is here to help! Work Comp, formally known as Workers’ Compensation, is a form of Commercial insurance carried by most businesses, designed to protect workers, who are injured on the job.
Insurance for the employer sounds great, but how does it benefit everyone? When a worker is hurt on the job, the main priority is to take care of that individual. Medical expenses are just that – expensive. This coverage ensures that the impacted person receives the proper care, and provides protections for their ongoing needs and recovery.
The U.S. Department of Labor defines Workers’ Compensation as a program “mitigating the financial burden resulting from workplace injury.” In that light, Workers’ Compensation also makes sure that the business can still function, maintain day-to-day business, and provide a living for the other employees. Employers hold the policies, and the benefits are paid to the workers. The benefits, therefore, are two-fold, helping the injured employee and the business.
How does Workers’ Compensation work? What benefits does Work Comp provide? In the most broad overview, these are some of the benefits provided to impacted individuals:
However, there are many other areas of Workers’ Compensation that may apply. Each instance is different, and the care required is unique. At the end of the day, this coverage exists to make sure an employee injured on the job is cared for properly. Always check with your Agent or Adjuster, to determine what would be covered under the policy. Workers’ Compensation is not a disability or unemployment benefit, so after-injury care costs and concerns may fall under a different category of coverage.
The question of what qualifies for Workers’ Compensation benefits varies – from state to state, and each injury is different. However, the goal of Workers’ Compensation policies is to cover claims, when they occur in the course and scope of employment. There are nuances to every situation, but generally, this is case.
The most important steps after an accident are reporting the claim, and seeking medical attention. While each state is different, the best practice for reporting injuries at work are to inform your supervisor as soon as possible.
In the U.S., these programs are generally handled by the individual states. All states, with the exception of Texas, require employers to hold Workers’ Compensation policies. Interested in your state’s requirements? Visit the National Federation of Independent Business’ page, for a state-by-state breakdown.
If you’re an employer, you likely have one of these policies. They not only provide excellent resources and benefits to keep your employees safe, but they also provide peace-of-mind to business owners. Commercial businesses provide goods and services, but also provide a means of living for many people. Keeping doors open, and business moving, is incredibly important to everyone.
Hastings Mutual aims to provide a holistic approach to our policies, providing options that fit everyone. One of the ways in which we provide flexible options is our FirstCall Work Injury Hotline, powered by Medcor. This service is included with all of our Workers’ Compensation policies, at no additional charge. It is available 24/7 and is an Injury Triage program. The goal of FirstCall Work Injury Hotline is to assist with non-life-threatening injuries, on the jobsite. The triage team provides immediate attention from injury professionals, providing advice on the best course of action.
This service:
If you already hold a Workers’ Compensation policy through Hastings Mutual, but were unaware of the benefits of the program, visit our webpage, where you’ll find helpful information. Looking for a Workers’ Compensation policy, with these added services and benefits? Reach out to one of our amazing Agents, today!
Talk to one of our independent insurance Agents, today, for more information on Workers’ Compensation policies, and how we can help.
Resources:
U.S. Department of Labor – Workers’ Compensation
The fundamentals of Job Hazard Analysis and how it can help your business.
If something goes wrong at work, do you know who to call?
The keys to construction site safety.
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