Whether you’re an employer or an employee, it’s important to understand the California Labor Code and how it applies to worker’s compensation. Unfortunately, no matter what industry you’re in, it’s inevitable that someone will get hurt. Whether through heavy lifting or slipping and falling, injuries happen on the job. What do you need to know?

Basics For Employers
California Labor Code requires employers to have insurance for worker’s compensation, even if they only have one employee. The California Department of Industrial Relations provides a lot of helpful information about this, including:

• “You can purchase worker’s compensation coverage through an agent or a broker from any of the privately licensed insurers authorized to write policies in California. You can find a list of authorized insurers on the California Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov.”
• “A number of factors go into determining the annual premium your insurance carrier will charge. These include your industry classification, your company’s past history of work related injuries (known as your experience modification), your payroll, any special underwriting adjustments such as use of a certified health care organization, and any special group or dividend programs you may be eligible for.”
• “Insuring for worker’s compensation is part of your cost of doing business. An employer cannot ask employees to help pay the insurance premium.”

Basics For Employees
According to California Labor Code, your employer is required by law to pay for worker’s compensation benefits if you have any type of work-related injury or illness. The California Department of Industrial Relations has some helpful information for employees, too:

• If you’re injured on the job, “Report the injury to your employer by telling your supervisor right away. If your injury or illness developed over time, report it as soon as you learn or believe it was caused by your job.”
• According to California Labor Code, workers compensation provides five basic benefits: medical care, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits and death benefits.
• “Employees may call 1-800-736-7401 to hear recorded information on a variety of worker’s compensation topics 24 hours a day.”

Want to know more about the California Labor Code and how it relates to worker’s compensation? Whether you’re an employer or employee, Omni Law Group can help! Contact us today.

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