Workers Compensation – What to do?

All employers are required by law to have workers compensation (WC) insurance, regardless of the number of employees on staff. Workers compensation insurance is mandatory for all employers to have and can help protect you and your employees in the event of a work-related injury or illness. Depending on the nature of your business, accidents in the workplace may occur and it’s important to be prepared. With workers compensation insurance, your employees are eligible to receive benefits and coverage for their medical fees.

Failure to have WC insurance will result in heavy fines. Certain obligations and requirements must be met by employers, otherwise they are at risk for being fined and sued by their employee. If a company lacks having the proper insurance for their employees, they may face civil court lawsuits or workers’ compensation claims.

If an employee is injured at work – find out if it is a recordable injury or not. Injuries and illnesses don’t necessarily have to occur on the job site but must be job-related. For instance, insurance coverage works for employees who are traveling on business or running a work-related errand. However, not all injuries are covered. If the injury was caused by intoxication or drugs or from an injury resulting from horseplay, then workers compensation insurance won’t cover these injuries.

Employers must (by law) complete a DWC-1 form – Employers should have a selected medical facility to send their employees to in the event of an injury. The DWC-1 form is essential in order for the insurance company to look over the case. Employers should go over the entire process properly to ensure that the claim goes smoothly and efficiently. Be prepared by having a medical facility to send your employees to in the event of an emergency or medical evaluation.

Best complete an “Incident Report,” an HR best practice – Make sure your employees have completed a “pre-designation of physician” at time of hire. An incident report completed by the employee and signed by an employer can ensure that the details and information from the incident are accurate and fresh. By having written documentation when the situation first occurs prevents the employee from fabricating the information later on.