What Is Workers' Compensation?

Workers' compensation insurance is a no-fault insurance system that covers your employees when injured on the job. All employers, including nonprofit organizations, which have employees, must carry workers' compensation insurance.

As an employer you must:

• Maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage at all times
• Properly display the current workers' compensation poster in all workplaces
• Provide written workers' compensation information to all new employees

When an injury occurs the employer should:

• Provide medical care when necessary by sending the injured employee to the emergency room or designated doctor 
• Furnish the employee with a claim form within one working day after learning about the injury or illness
• Conduct an investigation into the surrounding circumstances and document any findings
• File an “Employer's First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness” (DLSR Form 5020) with the insurance company
• Keep in communication with the injured employee, focusing on her/his recovery and return to work
• Take corrective action to eliminate any workplace hazards that may have been discovered as a result of the injury

Additional workers' compensation information and supplies may be obtained at: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/dwc_home_page.htm

This information is an overview of workers' compensation and should not be construed as legal advice. In no event will we be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from use of this material. We recommend, because of the potential liability of workers' compensation, legal advice or other expert assistance is obtained.