If you are looking for a job right now, then there are many factors that you need to consider. However, one that you should not overlook in addition to pay and company culture is how they deal with workers comp. You have certain rights and responsibilities with regards to an injury suffered on the job. Here is what you need to know:
HR is on Your Side
HR is not just there to manage payroll and training. They are also the ones who can help you get your injuries managed the right way within the company’s system. These are the first people you should contact if something goes wrong on the job. If a company doesn’t have a good HR department, it may be a good idea to keep looking.
Report All Injuries or Illnesses
You might be the kind of person that takes pride in “sucking it up” if you have an injury or you are sick. You might not want to be seen as trying to slack off or make excuses. However, you need to file official documentation whenever this happens to protect you in the future if you need the company to pay workers comp. Any company that encourages you to violate safe practices by working when you are sick or incapacitated in any form isn’t going to be willing to give you the worker’s comp you deserve, so be aware of the company culture when you are researching it.
OSHA
There are federal safety regulations that protect people in every workplace. They cannot be outranked by local or company rules or regulations. Make sure that everything you are doing is within these policies. If you don’t, you might not get the workers comp you deserve should that ever happen. Companies are required to display several OSHA requirements. You should be able to find them easily.
You Have a Right to Legal Representation
While most employers are honest, some might convince you not to get legal help if you are injured. If this happens, then do not be fooled. You have a right to obtain legal counsel if you sustain injuries on the job. That way, you are protecting yourself and avoiding being locked out of key benefits. If you are worried about this, talk to current and former employers about how they feel about the company. These people are your best resource. Workers compensation laws are different state to state. Texas, for example, has an “exclusive-remedy” for injured workers. This means workers can’t sue.
When it comes to looking for a job, no one wants to think about getting injured. It would hopefully never happen. However, if it does, then you should understand the key points above. That way you can get the payment and benefits and legal protection you deserve to prevent your career from taking the wrong turn.
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