What is Workers Compensation?

Workers Compensation Insurance is a mandatory policy by the state. The purpose of Workers Compensation Insurance (WIC) is to ensure that employees who have been injured while on the job are covered. Coverage for injured employees include medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages for the time of receiving medical help, and death benefits for the employee’s dependents in case of severe incidents. Requirements to receive WIC vary from state to state, controlling many aspects, such as handling of claims, evaluation of impairment and settlement disputes, the amount of benefits injured workers receive and the strategies used to control costs.

Accidents in the workplace are unavoidable. The most common cause of claims are slips and falls, medical costs from slips and falls amount to $70 million annually, while driving for business is the second most common. Companies have the ability to avoid accidents in the work environment by taking proper precautions.

Tips to prevent claims:

1. Create Good Cleaning Habits. Safety and housekeeping go hand-in-hand and can prevent a lot of minor injuries. If facilities stay cleaned and organized, overall safety is in effect as well. Assign responsibilities to workers for proper clean up daily and ensure tasks are being followed through.
2. Prepare for the Weather. Weather increases the risks of accidents and therefore, your company should take proper action to avoid accidents. Rain: put out a carpet for people to wipe their feet at the door so there is not slipping. Cold: snow and ice creates panic therefore salt the parking lots and sidewalks in conjunction with the carpet inside to dry their feet off. Warm: proper air circulation is critical in the summer. Proper water supply and air conditioning will prevent heat stroke and increase productivity.
3. Create Clear Aisles and Walkways. The less obstacles people have to avoid, the less risks of accidents to occur.
4. Maintain Proper Lighting. Poor lighting in the workplace is associated with an increase in accidents. Keep work areas and walkways well lit.
5. Control Individual Behavior. This condition if the toughest to control because it is common for people to form friendships and forget they are at work. There is a certain standard set for behavior at work. Employees also get distracted or may be in a hurry and lead to accidents as well. It’s ultimately up to each individual to be aware of their surrounds and conduct themselves accordingly.

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