What Work Comp Does Not Cover.
1. WAGES FOR A REPLACEMENT EMPLOYEE. When a valuable employee is involved in a workplace accident, they might be off of work for a while. You can manage a few days, but what if is more like a few months to get them returning to work? In the interim, you may need to hire a temporary replacement worker to keep your business moving. Workers’ Comp doesn’t cover the replacement employee’s wages. That responsibility is on you. The good news? Workers’ Comp pays for two-thirds of the injured worker’s wages, so you won't pay double during this time.
2. FUNDS TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY. Even if an employee is injured in an accident, Workers’ Comp doesn't provide funds for you to improve workplace safety. It's best to take care of safety issues proactively to avoid a claim from the outset.
3. OSHA PENALTIES. Failure to follow federal safety standards can result in hefty penalties if OSHA inspects your business. Workers’ Comp doesn’t offer any coverage for paying those fines, even if an OSHA violation caused the employee injury.
4. THIRD-PARTY DAMAGES. In especially unfortunate circumstances, a third party, such as a customer, client, or passerby, could get caught in the same accident that injures your employee. Maybe an out-of-control backhoe swings its shovel into a random car. Maybe a heavy box falls on a customer when the employee carrying it slips on a puddle. In these instances, Workers’ Comp only covers the costs associated with your employee’s injuries. For the third party’s injuries, you need General Liability Insurance.
5. GET-WELL-SOON CARDS/GIFTS. Just remember that get-well-soon gifts aren't covered by Workers' Comp, which is probably a good thing. Greeting cards should never require paperwork!
