Compensation and Benefits
Workers' Compensation
It is an employer's responsibility to educate themselves and their
employees about workplace safety issues and methods to prevent worker
injuries. Workers' Compensation is a state program designed to protect
employees in the event of a job-related injury, death, or illness.
Programs may vary substantially from one state to another. Below you
will find state statutes, ways to manage costs, and health and safety
statistics.
A Workers' Compensation program provides the following benefits:
- cash payment for lost wages;
- death benefits for dependant survivors, including some income
support and funeral and burial expenses;
- medical and rehabilitation expenses; and
- partial or total disability benefits for temporary or permanent
disabilities.
Expenses incurred by these benefits are usually covered through an
insurance plan, where the employer pays the premiums. Rates are based
on industry classification groups and claims. While some states
mandate insurance coverage through their state agency, others allow
employers to purchase private insurance or self-insure. A smaller
number of states also allow employers the option to be nonsubscribers
to Workers' Compensation.
The following articles offer employers ways to manage and control
excessive workers' compensation costs:
States that Offer Workers' Compensation
Information Online
If information about a state's workers' compensation program is available online but not
listed above, please send me the URL.
Reference Material
The National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) operates programs in every state to improve the
safety and health of workers. It offers statistics on injuries and deaths on
the job and costs by state. Employers can receive information specific
to their occupational health or safety problems through the NIOSH
800-number (1-800-356-4674).
BLS Safety and Health Statistics
offers statistics by costs, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. You'll also find
demographic and industry information.
OSHA
outlines steps for an employer to take to protect their employees from
work-related hazards. Employers with more than 11 employees are required to
maintain and post logs for job-related injuries.
States with OSH programs
can receive up to 50% of its program operating costs from OSHA.
