Disability Insurance Articles
Workplace Injuries Fall Under Your Employers Disability Insurance Responsibilities
2010-05-27
Workplace injuries fall under your employer's disability insurance, under the category of Worker's Compensation. "What is Worker's Compensation Insurance", "what types of accidents are covered", and "what is a disability compensation claim" are questions that will be answered.
Worker's Compensation Insurance is a federally mandated program through the Federal Employment Compensation Act to ensure that employees injured in the workplace receive compensation in the case of a workplace accident. It is administered by each state.
Insurance quotes for employers are not variable. What the employer pays is based on a combination of risk for the type of job (job classification), number of employees, and employer history of claims. It is basically "prepaid" by employers, based on risk of job type and of employer safety history. Therefore, the insurance quotes should not vary greatly between insurance providers.
It is the employer's responsibility to maintain a safe work environment. When an employee is injured at work, this automatically becomes a Worker's Compensation issue. There are many types of workplace accidents. Some are directly related to the type of work, such as a hair dresser getting cut by scissors, a construction worker hit by a falling piece of equipment, an electrician getting shocked, or a sanitation worker coming into contact with hazardous materials.
Other types of injuries are not so obvious. Accidents, such as falling or slipping, are just a couple. Employers need to also be aware of health hazards in the work place environment, like asbestos and mold in the environment. Other employees with communicable diseases or infections must also be monitored.
There are many preventative measures employers can take to ensure employee safety. Employers can improve safety by communicating information, having proper signs posted warning of any potential danger, by holding regular training sessions, and by providing and ensuring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
A disability compensation claim by an employee will be recorded and reviewed. Upon approval of a claim, the employee can typically expect to receive compensation for medical expenses incurred as a result of the workplace injury. An employee will also receive payment of about two thirds of his or her salary during the period of unemployment that was a result of the accident.
If permanent physical injuries are sustained, the employee may receive more on the disability compensation claim, also if the employee has dependents. The Federal Employment Compensation Act also provides compensation for survivors of employees who are killed in a workplace accident.
It is crucial for employers to be aware of workplace hazards, and responsibility under the law to avoid workplace injuries, and to keep employees safe. Keeping this information in mind will keep you safe and covered.