Most Wisconsin employees are familiar with safety rules in their place of work. While the chances of experiencing an accident on the job can depend on the industry itself, there are many gray areas that can make the process that follows challenging. Because such accidents can occur when one least expects them, it is important to remain aware of not only workplace rules, but state laws surrounding workers’ compensation.
The State of Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development provides an accessible outline of the state’s workers’ compensation laws. The Department first notes that, with the exception of farmers, all employees working under an employer with three or more workers receive protection under the Worker’s Compensation Act. This law applies to both public and private employers, employees who are family members, part-time workers and minors. In the case of an accident, the Department adds that medical attention is always first priority. Following treatment, it is vital that employees also notify their employer of the incident. Depending on the situation, there may be many other steps involved in a worker’s compensation claim, which are listed under this outline.
As incidents can easily become complex, many workers in the state may be wondering about potential obstacles. The International Risk Management Institute lists some of the top workers’ compensation issues employees can watch out for, which include the following:
- Rates and premiums
- Mental health
- Constitutional challenges
When it comes to the financial side of claims, IRMI points out that claims costs have increased in the last 20 years — when compared with declining rates, workers’ compensation could appear less beneficial in some states. Mental health is another problem in the industry, as many do not understand the importance of psychological wellbeing, especially when applied to work productivity. IRMI adds that, recently, sections of the workers’ compensation laws in some states were considered unconstitutional, which created speed bumps for insurers and employers altogether. With the possible challenges that a claim could create, knowing the ropes can save time and money in the long run.
