Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to injured workers regardless of who is at fault for their injury, and it will provide death benefits for the worker’s dependents if the worker is killed.

All full-time, part-time, seasonal and minor employees in Louisiana must be covered by workers’ compensation. Coverage must begin on the employee’s first day of employment. Subcontractors and certain independent contractors may be considered employees if they are performing substantial manual labor in the pursuit of the employer’s trade, business or occupation.

Domestic employees, most real estate persons, uncompensated officers and directors of some non-profit organizations, and public officials are exempted from Louisiana’s worker’s compensation requirements. In addition, volunteer workers do not need to be covered by Louisiana workers’ compensation.

Employers must provide workers’ compensation benefits to their employees through private insurance or they must self-insure. Benefits are available for mental and physical illness or injury occurring in the course of employment, regardless of who is at fault.

How Does Workers’ Compensation Protect My Employees and My Business?

Workers’ compensation insurance is more than just an expense for your business. It is an affordable way to protect your business and your employees from the costs of work-related injuries. Your employees receive the peace of mind of knowing that they can recover from an injury without the additional emotional and financial stress of fighting their employer for help with medical bills and lost wages. As an employer, you can reduce the likelihood that an injured employee will sue you for damages.

How Can I Reduce Workers’ Compensation Claims?

The best way to reduce the number of workers’ compensation claims for your business is to provide a safe and healthy workplace. While you have workers’ compensation insurance to protect you and your employees in the event of a work-related injury or illness, implementing proper safety and risk management techniques is the best way to keep everyone healthy and happy.

Consider these workplace safety tips from the Arbill Safety Blog:

• Design and provide a safe work area.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Involve your employees in safety planning.
• Provide clean instructions for all jobs and procedures.
• Focus your safety efforts on the most obvious problem areas.
• Encourage employees to bring safety deficiencies to your attention.
• Watch and learn how each employee does his or her job.
• Be sure all machinery is well-maintained and in good working order.
• Some jobs are inherently more hazardous than others; takes steps to avoid any unnecessary hazards.
• Revisit your safety guidelines every year.

Call Financial Assurance for workers compensation and risk management solutions for your workplace. In addition, find more information about Louisiana workers’ compensation at the workers’ compensation page of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.