A public sponsored system designed for paying monetary compensation to the workers who get injured or disabled during the course of their employment is known as Workers’ compensation. This program is designed in accordance with the Chief Human Capital Officer. The aim of the Workers Compensation Program is to provide all possible medical, financial and other benefits to the injured employees.
Compensation benefits are provided to employees for disability caused while performing their duties. The disability may be due to personal injuries or any employment-related diseases. Benefits are not applicable if the injury is caused by the misconduct or intentional action of an employee. If any kind of intoxication invokes an injury even then the compensation is not provided.
Types Of Work-related Injuries Include
- Traumatic injuries: Any wound which is caused due to external forces or due to physical strain or stress is called the traumatic injury. It should be caused by an event or incident in a single working shift.
- Occupational diseases: Chronic infections, repetitive strain, exposure to toxins, noise or poisonous fumes may cause certain diseases. Being in such environments affects the health of workers and result in severe occupational diseases.
Certain paperwork is necessary before the worker is awarded compensation. The necessary papers are:
- The incurred medical expenses
- Any sick, annual or leave without pay leaves that are granted to the worker during illness or injury should be documented
- Disability to work has to be stated by the doctor
- Permanent disabilities have to be mentioned
By agreeing to Workers’ compensation, the employee loses the right to sue the employer for any negligence that caused the injury. The Workers Compensation program is designed to protect both the workers and employers. Any large scale damage caused by the negligence of the employer calls for a lawsuit.
Most of the compensation programs cover the complete medical expenses related to the injuries or diseases caused directly as a result of employment. In case of the death of an employee, the employer is asked to pay a certain amount to the dependents of the family.
Workers Compensation Benefits
- Cash benefits: Cash is not given to any employee within seven days of the injury. It is possible to claim cash benefit only if the injury extends up to fourteen days. Though cash benefit is non-claimable, all the necessary medical aid is given to heal the injuries.
- Medical Benefits: Complete medical care is provided immediately. Any tests or scanning or surgeries to be done should be performed by doctors who are associated with the Workers Compensation board. The worker is eligible for complete care and medication until recovery
- Supplement Benefits: Two types of claimants are eligible for this benefit.
- Claimants who have a permanent disability and will not be able to work as before
- Widows who are receiving benefits due to the loss of their spouse
- Social security benefits: When a worker gets seriously injured and becomes disabled for a prolonged time period, up to 12 months, the employee is given monthly social security benefits
- Death benefits: When a worker dies due to an accident or injury during employment his family or the dependents receive weekly cash benefits