Learn about Workers’ Compensation and more with Workstream and improve your hiring vocabulary. Workstream helps companies hire better, faster - everyday.
Workers’ compensation refers to a type of insurance where workers and employees who become injured or disabled as a result of their job are given monetary benefits. The workers’ compensation program helps these workers by providing medical care, lost wages due to missing work while ill, and vocational rehabilitation if necessary. If the work-related incident becomes fatal, workers’ compensation also provides death benefits to the bereaved.
Additionally, employees who agree to receive workers’ compensation also agree to give up their right to sue their employer. There may be some exceptions to this, however. There are instances where an employee can sue their employer for any injury or disability suffered on the job. For example, if the injury was intentional (on the part of the employer) or if the injury was outside the employee’s scope of work or job assignment.
Employers also cannot fire, retaliate, or discriminate against employees who file workers’ compensation claims. This is against federal and state laws.
Who administers workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation programs are administered by the state. In running the workers’ compensation program, each state sets its premium rates, benefit amounts, and if coverage is sold by state agencies or by private insurers.
Workers’ compensation insurance is paid by companies to the state’s workers’ compensation program funds. Keep in mind that employees do not pay for workers’ compensation premiums.
Also, because this is at the state level, the federal government runs and administers separate workers’ compensation programs for certain groups such as federal employees, coal miners, and longshore workers.
If you are an employer, always stay updated with your state department’s regulations on workers’ compensation. Each state can have varying rules and guidelines on who is covered, types of injuries that are covered, injuries that are excluded, and the duration of time that an employee is given to file a claim for workers’ compensation.
Is workers’ compensation the same as disability insurance?
No, workers’ compensation and disability insurance are not the same. Workers’ compensation only pays workers or employees who fall to injury or become disabled on the job. On the other hand, disability insurance gives benefits to employees regardless of where the employee or worker becomes injured or disabled. Another difference is that workers’ compensation is tax-free while disability insurance benefits are not.
Who needs to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Most states require workers’ compensation insurance. However, they can differ in terms of coverage, rates, and other guidelines. Because of these differences, it is best to check your state’s laws on workers’ compensation.
Are all kinds of injuries incurred in the workplace covered by Workers’ Compensation?
No, not all injuries incurred in the work environment are covered. Some examples of injuries that are not covered by workers’ compensation are:
Self-inflicted injuries
Injuries that happened while carrying out a crime
Injuries that happen because the employee violated company policy
Injuries that happen while the employee was not at work
Try out Workstream to hire employees for
your business
A revolutionary hiring process for Hourly positions
A revolutionary hiring process for Hourly positions Hiring hourly staff in San Francisco can be a tough job. Workstream can help accelerate the process by letting you post on job boards like Indeed within seconds.
1-Click Job Posting
No more tedious copy and pasting. We integrate with all the top job boards. All applicants funnel into one intuitive dashboard.
Text-to-Apply Posters
Print out your unique QR code and text message number. Applicants scan/text to see all open positions and apply right away.
Automated & 2-Way SMS
Engage with applicants via text. Include links to screening questions, forms, and more. Use 2-way text to answer questions.
Endless Integrations
Connect Workstream to your calendar so applicants can schedule interviews. Streamline onboarding with background check & HR integrations.
Candidate Tracking & Scoring
View all your applicants and employees in one place. Make notes on their progress. Access their docs anytime from anywhere.
Customizable Templates
We provide templates for everything from job postings to offer letters. Send links to docs and tax forms via text message so new hires sign digital copies.
What other owners
think about hiring through Workstream
"It is an easy process to post positions and follow up."
Lasalle Bristol
"I received several qualified candidates in a short period of time. The scheduling and onboarding functions are very straightforward and simple to navigate."
