Workers’ Compensation 101: How To Stay Out Of Hot Water

Workers’ compensation claims fueled by workplace reopenings and COVID-19 variants. Learn how to handle injuries and illnesses at work.

As people return to their workplaces, they are encountering more injuries, driving a growing number of workers’ compensation claims. At the same time, the Delta variant of COVID-19 is infecting a larger portion of the population, causing some workers to assert that their illnesses result from inadequate employer precautions.

You need to understand the basics of workers’ compensation, including handling injuries and illnesses at work, even if they seem minor or contrived. Your appropriate processing of claims will make a big difference when lawyers and courts get involved.

• How should you initially handle a workplace injury or illness?
• How can your workers’ compensation representative help you?
• What steps can you take to avoid workers’ compensation abuse and fraud?
• May you terminate an employee who has an active claim?
• When does workers’ compensation insurance cover COVID-19?
• What state-specific requirements must you follow to avoid penalties?