Workers in California are protected from on-the-job injury by workers’ compensation insurance. According to Forbes, it is a criminal offense in the state for an employer to not cover this type of insurance. Any business owner who employs more than one person must have insurance to cover injuries that happen at work.
What type of benefits are workers eligible for?
The state has filtered out benefits into five different categories. These include the following:
- Death benefits
- Supplemental job displacement benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Temporary disability benefits
- Medical care
These benefits are designed to protect not only workers who do dangerous jobs but those who suffer from injuries that are chronic and caused by work. This can be something as common as carpal tunnel to something as horrific as a death caused by a fall at a construction scene.
Who has to prove fault when an injury occurs?
The state’s employment insurance laws are based on the idea that the injured person does not have to prove that the illness or injury was someone’s fault. This is referred to as a no-fault system. Workers’ compensation insurance in the state also extends to part-time employees of the company. If the job is a higher-risk job, the insurance may be more expensive for the employer because injury is more likely.
Employer must display workers’ compensation information
Along with covering the insurance, employers must have a visual display of the company’s coverage. This aid should also include information about where the worker can get medical attention and care for any work-related injuries. If this information is not posted, the employer may be charged with a misdemeanor and be forced to pay a fine.