Most local restaurants can be classified as small businesses unless, of course, they are a franchise of a national chain. With that said local restaurants may be required to carry workers comp insurance for small businesses within their state if they meet the criteria established for the state in which they are going to operate.
If, in fact, they are categorized as a small business, then it is important that they understand it is probably also mandated by law that they purchase workers’ comp. It’s a form of insurance coverage that benefits workers injured or ill because of their job. These benefits include coverage for medical expenses and salary replacements.
Moreover, businesses, including local restaurants, are advised to have workers’ compensation coverage to ensure protection from hefty state fines and medical costs from the injured or ill worker.
Aside from financial protection, it can also help boost workplace morale. Such benefits show workers that they’re appreciated and valued.
Of course, having workers’ compensation insurance ensures compliance with pertinent rules and regulations designed to protect workers wherever they are.
For these reasons, many eligible employers purchase workers’ compensation for their workers. This would probably be the case in all states but Texas, which has its own set of regulations. If you are required to carry workers’ comp, it is in your best interests to know what the most common injuries are that would be covered under your policy.
Burns
One of the most common claims against a restaurant’s workers comp insurance for small business is in the area of burns. Some burns are debilitating, and others are minor. It is those minor burns that won’t be covered but burns that require the employee to be out of work for any length of time while recovering are the ones that can file a workers’ comp claim. Burns can range from first to second to the third degree, with third-degree being those that will often be covered if it renders the employee incapable of returning to work during the healing process.
Lacerations or Punctures
There are few jobs where the employee is as susceptible to cuts, lacerations of all kinds, and punctures as in the restaurant business. Keep in mind that there are knives of all kinds and a simple mishandling of a butcher’s knife, for example, can injure the chef holding it or anyone who inadvertently gets too close while that knife is in use. Then there are broken glasses that can be dangerous as well as broken dishes and equipment such as electric slicers. While a small cut would be best served with a Band-Aid, a chef almost losing a finger might require days, if not weeks to heal enough to return to work.
Sprains
There are several ways in which a restaurant worker can experience a sprain of some sort, but usually, it’s about trying to reach those places that really are just out of reach. Sometimes a slip and fall can lead to a sprained ankle or wrist, for example, and other times it’s simply about trying to lift more weight than comfortably manageable.
Because of this, workers’ compensation insurance should be in place to cover the injured worker’s medical costs and lost income. They will need to take some time off work to heal and recover from their slip and fall injury.
This measure must go hand in hand with efforts from employers to keep their premises as safe as possible. Otherwise, the injured worker can file a compensation claim with the help of a slip and fall lawyer to ensure a favorable outcome on the grounds of negligence.
Strains – Especially in the Lower Back
It is altogether too easy to strain your back in the restaurant business. This usually comes from lifting heavy items off the floor incorrectly. Sometimes back strains can heal with applied heat or ice but other times it may take weeks, if not longer, of physical therapy. In fact, some strains, especially in the lower back, may never heal completely. The employee may be able to return to work, but cautiously under a physician’s care and approval. Nevertheless, they should first secure a clearance from the doctor regarding their return to work to avoid any problems later, especially with the claim application.
Since most restaurants in the United States really are small establishments, they may or may not be required to carry workers’ comp. It may be due to the number of employees, and it may be the regulations in the state in which the restaurant is located. If you can’t find that information on your state’s website, you might check online with the insurance company you intend to use.