Every business, from a restaurant to a gift shop, poses risks to its employees. Think about it. A construction employee who isn’t using a lifeline could fall off scaffolding and break a leg. A delivery biker who wasn’t wearing a helmet might sustain a head injury following an 
accident. A store worker might trip over exposed stock because they didn’t set up displays properly. The list of workplace hazards is long and varied.
Such injuries might affect someone's ability to work. This makes the victim’s livelihood very insecure. They might need workers’ compensation to assist them in their recovery. However, the employees above might have avoided injury had they used safety precautions. This makes safety prevention an important part of your business' risk management.
Workers’ Compensation for Employee Injuries
Most states require many businesses to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage provides income to those injured on the job as they recover. Regardless of how an employee sustains injuries, they might qualify for workers’ comp.
Often, businesses have to provide workers’ comp even if they have no fault in the injury. Even if an employee fails to use the correct safety gear on the job, they often still qualify for coverage. Their own negligence may not prove a valid reason to deny a workers’ comp claim.
Nevertheless, when workers’ comp injuries occur, they merit the business reviewing its coverage. Conduct an investigation with every injury, even if it was the employee's fault. Let the insurance company determine whether it will cover the injury.
Enforcing Industry Safety Standards
A business’ priority should be to enforce all recommended and required safety regulations. The more care an employee takes to protect themselves, the easier time they might have when applying to workers’ comp.
- Most safety requirements are industry-specific. A restaurant will have different risks from a school or a laboratory, for example. Each business must apply safety requirements in the context of their industry standards.
- Review safety precautions required by law. Many industries have statutory requirements to enforce the use of safety gear.
- Train new and established employees in the proper use of safety gear. Employees who fail to follow safety rules should face penalties.
- Discontinue use of safety items that have security problems or damage. Items that might prove ineffective stand the chance to cause considerable harm.
If an employee gets hurt on the job, an investigation will help determine if they qualify for workers’ compensation. Business owners should immediately contact their workers’ comp insurer for more information on filing and documenting claims. To get workers comp insurance started or if you have questions, call our office at 800-511-2892.
You might also like: How to Improve Safety in the Workplace and 10 Ways to Stay Safe at Work