How Business Owners Can Protect Themselves
If you are a business owner, you absolutely must have Workers’ Compensation Insurance. This protects you from liability if any of your employees should be injured on the job. But there are also many things you can do to prevent accidents and reduce the chances that you will ever need to rely on this insurance. Read on to find out more.
What Workers’ Compensation Insurance Covers
Often referred to as “workman’s comp,” this type of insurance is basically liability coverage for your employees. From offices to construction sites, no workplace is immune to the possibility of an employee accident or unforeseen event. As long as you’re protected with Workers’ Compensation Insurance, it will cover the cost of medical expenses if the employee is injured on the job. It will also cover any lost pay the employee would have earned while he or she is out with an injury or illness. Perhaps most importantly, this type of insurance will cover any legal fees you may incur if an employee should file a lawsuit against your company because of their on-the-job injury or illness. Never underestimate the need for this kind of insurance. You may be surprised at how quickly legal fees can pile up!
How to Prevent On-the-Job Accidents
No matter what your business, your employees could have an accident at any time. That’s why it’s important to train all of your employees on proper safety procedures for your type of business. Hold frequent trainings, so new employees are made aware as well. Having a safety procedure manual is also helpful. Always be sure to employ good safety practices particular to your business. For instance, if you own a restaurant, make sure you have fire safety procedures in place for cooks and anyone working in the kitchen.
Construction companies are especially vulnerable because employees will be around heavy equipment that could be hazardous and particulate dust that can cause respiratory illnesses. If employees aren’t taught correct procedures, they could hold heavy tools incorrectly and hurt themselves.
In addition to safety training, consider ways to make your business safer. Be sure floors aren’t slippery, any loose equipment is secured and have your office building inspected for mold and other allergens that can cause diseases after long-term exposure. Check for carbon monoxide levels and make sure everything adheres to safety standards.
Outside, have your walkways cleared of snow in the winter and parking lots properly lit. You don’t want the grounds to be high-risk areas for crime. Be sure to have adequate signage, clearly indicating entryways and exits. Schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure that everything is working properly—electrical, HVAC, elevators, cook tops for restaurants, water and pipes, and anything that needs to be maintained.
Taking these precautions can help to ensure your employees remain safe. For more information on insurance for business owners, please contact Zawada Insurance Agency. We work to give you comprehensive coverage at a competitive price.
Zawada Insurance Agency, Inc. is a family-owned and operated independent insurance agency, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, serving central Massachusetts and beyond.