Workers’ Compensation for Manufacturers: Ensuring Employee Safety and Compliance

The manufacturing industry consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous U.S. workplaces. Businesses in this sector may need to navigate many inherent risks and perils in daily operations. However, while heavy machinery, sharp tools, hazardous chemicals and other manufacturing-related functions can pose significant threats, your business can at least take steps to limit the potential consequences of accidents. One crucial component of these plans is workers’ compensation insurance.

What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

An adequate workers’ compensation insurance policy is a necessity for most manufacturers. Your policy can typically be tailored to suit your business’s needs and, once established, provide you and your employees with the means to tap financial resources and limit the monetary ramifications of on-the-job ailments.

Given the potential frequency and severity of injuries in manufacturing workplaces, including lacerations, crush wounds, strains and contusions, appropriate coverage is particularly critical for your business. Additionally, most workplaces are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, meaning a lack of coverage could incur fines and other penalties.

What Does My Policy Cover?

There are many important benefits of having suitable workers’ compensation insurance. Consider the following costs and losses that may be covered:

• Medical bills—If an employee requires medical attention for work-related injuries or illnesses, your insurance can help pay for their care.
• Lost wages—Employees may need to take time off work following an incident, but your coverage can help them recover income they would’ve earned.
• Vocational rehabilitation—Coverage may assist with training and other costs for a new position should injured or ill workers be unable to return to their previous position.
• Disability benefits—If an employee develops a temporary or permanent disability due to a work-related incident, they may receive ongoing financial support via your workers’ compensation insurance.
• Death benefits—In the wake of fatal incidents, your insurance may compensate employees’ loved ones with financial support.
• Employer legal costs—Policies typically include employers’ liability coverage, which can assist with attorney fees, settlements, judgments and other expenses should an employee sue your business over their work-related injury or illness.

Get the Right Coverage

Contact Pitcher Insurance Agency, Inc. today to learn more about workers’ compensation coverage for manufacturing businesses or to get a free quote.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.