Workers' compensation for the people doing the work
Your first hire, a growing crew or a change in duties is a reason to review workers' compensation insurance. Tell us what people do, where they work and what has changed in staffing or payroll.
What it usually covers
Policies vary; your policy wording decides. Benefits for qualifying work-related injuries or illnesses may include:
- Medical treatment.
- Payments for temporary or permanent disability.
- Death benefits for eligible dependents.
These are general benefit categories, not a determination that a particular injury qualifies.
Common causes of loss
Injury risks to check against the work your team does. California injury surveys and national fatality data are not a prediction of your workers' comp claims. Benefits and coverage depend on the circumstances and applicable terms.
Falls from height
Ladders, roofs and floor openings need a plan before work starts. Nationally, construction recorded 389 fatal falls, slips and trips in 2024. Review the site's fall-protection plan and inspect ladders before use.
Lifting and repetitive work
Repeated handling can strain backs and shoulders. California manufacturing recorded 7,540 days-away cases in the category covering overexertion, repetitive motion and bodily conditions in 2023-2024. Review tasks that need carts or lift tables, and make injury reporting clear.
Contact with equipment or materials
Moving machinery and falling stock can injure workers nearby. California manufacturing recorded 7,830 contact-incident days-away cases in 2023-2024. Review machine guarding and keep people out of equipment travel zones.
Forklift incidents
Forklifts and pedestrians need separate paths where possible. Nationally, BLS recorded 9,050 days-away cases involving forklifts in 2017. Review operator training and inspect damaged racks before continued use.
Outdoor heat illness
Outdoor crews need water, shade and a response plan. California's Title 8 §3395 requires shade to be present when the temperature exceeds 80°F. Check with the agency or the source for your case. Check the forecast and the crew's water and shade setup before work.
What to have ready for a quote
- Business activities and the tasks employees perform.
- Employee counts, work locations and estimated payroll by job type.
- Changes in staffing or operations you expect.
- Current policy and available prior claims records for an agent discussion.