10 Industries with Unique Workers Comp Risks
Workers Compensation Insurance Coverage is the ‘Exclusive Remedy’ that helps employers and employees sleep soundly at night. They both can sleep soundly at night because the ‘Exclusive Remedy’ allows organization to work in a way that both employers and employees have protection if an employee is hurt on the job. Employers have the protection of not being sued for injuries that occur as part of normal business duties and employees know they will be covered for medical expenses and some lost wages when they are hurt and not able to work. Now each industry has their own unique workers comp risks when it comes to managing employee safety.
Restaurants
The main type of workers comp risks that restaurants face is from the frequency of traffic walking in and out of their location. Slips, trips and falls are common; but fortunately are not severe when they happen. Interacting with the public can cause employees to get the cold and flu more frequently than workers in other industries.
Food Trucks
Food Trucks are similar in scope to restaurants, but they have some additional workers comp risks restaurants do not face. The most glaring risk is the driving aspect of the business. When the employees are driving from one location to another they are still the liability of the business. Car accidents have a tendency to be injure employees more frequently and more severely. With these more severe risks usually comes a higher premium for workers compensation insurance.
Home Health Care
In the Home Health Care Industry, workers comp risks are primarily off-site. Again, driving risks cause for a larger premium as do the risks from having to lift sick and elderly patients. Back injuries are common due to the mobility limitations of many patients. Unruly or unpredictable patients can cause injury or harm including strains, back injuries and contusions. The employee must be able to handle conflicts that may occur during interactions with other family members. All of these risks add to the increase in premium for businesses in this industry.
Roofing Companies
Roofing companies are another industry that has a higher than normal risk. Obviously working at elevation causes them to have risks for severe injury. The physical nature of the job also causes back injuries.
Floor Installers
In the Floor Installation Industry, the workers comp risks vary based upon the size and nature of the work being done. Some risks arise from working with sharp objects and hand tools. Lifting injuries, sprains, strains, hernias and back injuries occur at a fairly high frequency. Long term exposure to working on floors can lead to knee problems. Safety programs and the proper use of safety equipment can go a long way towards helping your business limit injuries and lower what a business pays in insurance premium.
Cable Installation
Cable Installation businesses have many risks that occur off premises. Slips, trips, falls, electrical shock, and lifting injuries are common. Climbing telephone poles can add additional risks and extensive digging can cause injuries to occur as well. Like many other industries a driving risk is present in the cable installation business. Having some type of driver safety program can help limit excessive claims related to the driving risk associated with this industry.
Lawn Care and Landscaping
Workers compensation exposures in the lawn care and landscaping industry come from the operation of machinery and equipment, including some work at heights, work on uneven ground, and exposure to underground or above ground cables and lines. Since power-cutting equipment is used, there are also potential cuts and possible amputations. Back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains are all common claims. Chemical applications may cause lung problems along with allergic reactions and other more serious complications. Casual labor, seasonal workforce and high turnover present a significant loss control challenge.
Manufacturers
Wood Product Manufacturers are a different type of business than most insurance agents are used to partnering with for commercial insurance coverage. Assessing the risk of this industry is much different than assessing the risk of an HVAC or a pest control company. There are more than ten different classification codes just for workers comp risks. The reasons for the large number of class codes is because of some businesses operating as a manufacturer, others operate as a distributor and others operate as a retailer. These differences can have an enormous impact on what you pay for insurance. Having a long conversation with your insurance agent can help you prevent any and all potential problems.
Day Care Centers
If you own or operate a day care center you more than likely understand the uniqueness of the workers comprisks associated with this industry. Workers compensation exposures, like in a lot of industries, arise from lifting, slips, tirps and falls. These accidents can cause back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains. Communicable diseases are another issue, because of the close proximity workers have while they spend enormous amounts of time with children who have weak immune systems and bad hygiene. All employees should have up-to-date immunizations to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Unauthorized visitors can pose a threat to employees as well as children.
Retail Stores
Retail stores like, unlike most industries, have a fairly predictable amount and type of workers comp risks. Those risks generally come from employee lifting and ladder usage. Employees should be trained to properly use all common devices. These devices may include ladders and commonly used equipment for lifting. Whatever type of equipment you decide to use, make sure your employees are properly trained in relation to using this equipment. Equipment used for repair operations should be appropriately maintained to prevent injury.