When you work in a factory or any job that requires you to handle dangerous machines, harmful chemicals and substances, among others, your risk of being injured or get into an accident is considerably increased. If the unthinkable does happen, what will you do? Who will pay for your hospital bills? What’s going to happen to your family while you’re out of work? These are just among the questions which you would have to address if you get injuries of some sort in your workplace. Luckily, your worker’s compensation benefits will answer that for you.

Worker’s compensation also known as workmen’s compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to workers who are injured, incurred an illness, or disabled in connection with their jobs. These benefits consist of financial assistance to cover medical expenses related with the injury as well as the monetary equivalent of the days for which the injured worker was not able to work.

Employers are required to provide insurance for their employees from a worker’s compensation insurance company. This is true in most companies at major states. Some states however, especially in companies which have fewer than four employees, are not obligated to provide the workmen’s compensation insurance. The essence of this program is a proposal called compensation bargain. The employer agrees to buy insurance for his workers while the workers give up their right to sue their employees in exchange for the benefits from the workmen’s compensation program. Litigation is a costly, expensive, burdensome, and oftentimes time-consuming matter which both the employee and the employer try to avoid.

Worker’s compensation insurance covers most injuries related to the type of job of a worker. Most factory workers as well as those in the construction business are covered by these insurance. When you work in a pepper spray or tazer factory for example, there will be times when you would accidentally be injured. Though we all know that these sprays and shock guns do not inflict permanent damage, we don’t have any idea what goes on inside the factories. Same goes for factories using harmful chemicals and substances. You can be injured, disabled or acquire certain illnesses in the long run. If this happens, you can get benefits from your worker’s compensation insurance.

You need not be in the workplace to be covered by the worker’s compensation insurance. As long as your injury is work-related, you can be covered. There will however be some instances where on the job injuries will not be covered by the workmen’s comp. This includes instances where an employee is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Coverage may also be denied if it involves self-inflicted injuries that might have been caused by a fight with another employee; injuries that an employee suffered by violating company policies; damages sustained while an employee was not on the job or was committing a serious crime.

Workmen’s compensation program is designed to take care of the financial matters of a worker who has been injured. It is part of social legislation that looks out for the welfare of the workers who are often times being taken advantage of. As employees, you should know your rights. As employers, you should know how to respect your worker’s rights.

Author Bio: Annabelle Lehoux is Judo instructor and the co-founder of Self Defense Products Depot which offers large variety of gadgets such as steel baton, dummy camera, metal detector and stun gun for your personal and home security. To learn more on how these products can help your situation, please visit http://www.self-defense-products-depot.com/

Category: Business Management
Keywords: Employer, employee, workmen’s compensation insurance, pepper spray, worker’s comp, tazer