This is an issue all of us small business owners and employers face: worker’s compensation insurance. In most states employers are required to carry Worker’s Comp Insurance by law (even if they have only one employee). For a comparison of all the states that require worker’s comp insurance, see: http://www.nfib.com/article/workers-compensation-laws-state-by-state-comparison-57181/. Although each state’s procedures may be slightly different, here are some general things you need to know in case an employee is injured at work.
What constitutes the need to submit a claim?
Generally you have to submit a claim for every occupational injury or illness, unless both of the following apply:
- The incident does not require the employee to miss work for a full day or shift beyond the date of injury or illness, and The injury or illness does not require treatment beyond the legal definition of first aid.
- The injury or illness does not require treatment beyond the legal definition of first aid.
If an incident occurs, what should I do?
In the event of an incident resulting in injury or illness, here is what you need to do in most states:
- Provide a workers’ compensation claim for to them within one working day after the work-related injury or illness is reported.
- Return a copy of the completed form to the employee within one working day of receipt
- Forward the claim form, along with your report of occupational injury or illness, to the claims administrator within one working day of receipt;
- Within one working day of receiving the employee’s claim, authorize funds for appropriate medical treatment
- Provide transitional work (light duty) whenever appropriate
- If the employee is the victim of a crime that happened at work, you must give notice of workers’ compensation eligibility within one working day of the crime
Make sure that when an injury occurs that you follow all processes required by your insurance provider to allow your employee to receive the proper medical care. Failure to do so could result in fines for your business.