What Is the Purpose of Workmen's Compensation?

Workers' compensation insurance is coverage governed by the Workmen's Compensation Act of 1923. The primary purpose of the policy is to offer financial assistance to employees and their families in case of workplace-related accidents that lead to injury, disability or even death.

The employer typically purchases the insurance plan to comply with the legal requirements and protect the workforce.

The overall purpose of worker comp insurance is to promote workplace safety and accountability. The act helps ensure that the employer takes mandatory precautions to prevent workplace incidents and offers a safe environment to their workforce.

Any business in India that has hired workers or employees should consider investing in worker's compensation insurance. Even businesses that are considered low-risk industries need to have this insurance since accidents can happen at any time. Below are some of the benefits of the workers's compensation policy:

Legal Compliance

One crucial benefit of a workers' compensation policy for employers is that it helps them comply with the law. As per the Workmen's Compensation Act 1923, employers must compensate their employees if they suffer an injury, disability or death due to workplace accidents. Failure to comply with the law will invite hefty fines and penalties.

Financial Assistance to Employees

Another benefit of the workmen's compensation policy is for employees, as it offers financial assistance to them and their families in case of work-related accidents. The compensation amount allows employees to cover their medical expenses, lost wages and more, helping to reduce the financial strain on employees.

Reduce Litigation Risks

When an employee is injured in the workplace, the possibility of a lawsuit can arise, but many employers offer compensation through workers' compensation insurance to prevent this.

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system that provides employees with financial and medical benefits if they are injured on the job. In exchange, employees typically forgo the right to sue their employer for the injury.

Promotes Workplace Safety

Another crucial benefit of a workmen's compensation policy is to ensure and promote workplace safety standards to reduce accidents. Employers or businesses with workmen's insurance coverage invest in safety training programs, proper equipment and risk management practices to avoid accidents.

Enhances Company Reputation

When a company or business invests in a workmen's compensation policy, it helps foster a safe work environment for employees. When workers know that their employer is willing to provide financial support and medical care in case of an accident, it builds trust and a positive relationship. Additionally, offering workers' compensation helps boost the company’s reputation, both within the industry and among potential hires.

Also Read: Workman Compensation Insurance Policy and its Benefits

Medical Benefits

One of the primary components of workmen's compensation policy is medical benefits for employees who get injured or fall ill due to worksite conditions. With the medical benefit, employees can cover their medication expenses, hospital expenses and more to recover and get back to work as soon as possible.

Disability Benefits

Another significant component of the workmen's compensation policy is a disability benefit for employees who have suffered a disability due to work-related accidents or injuries. The coverage will cover lost wages and offer financial support to employees who are unable to work due to disability.

• Temporary Total or Partial Disability Benefits: Under the Workers' Compensation Act, the employee is eligible for partial or total temporary disability benefits. Under these, the employee will receive 25% of the monthly wages for the period of disablement.

• Permanent Partial Disability Benefits: The workmen's compensation policy also covers permanent partial disability caused by worksite accidents. Under the policy, compensation is provided based on the extent of the disability and its impact on the employee's ability to work.

• Permanent Total Disability Benefits: The policy also covers permanent disabilities that employees suffer due to worksite accidents. Such injuries affect the employee's ability to work again. Therefore, under this benefit, an employee is offered a long-term benefit.

Death benefits

Another crucial component of the workmen's compensation policy is death benefits offered to the family of an employee who died in a worksite accident. With this compensation amount, the employee's family will have financial support to manage their day-to-day expenses.

Also Read: Understanding Components of a Workers' Compensation Policy

There is no doubt that workmen’s compensation is a critical aspect of employee welfare. The workmen's compensation amount is calculated by considering various factors. Knowing the workers' compensation calculation formula is crucial for both employers and employees. The general formula for workmen's compensation policy is

Workmen's Compensation Amount = Monthly wage x percentage of disability x factor

Below is the breakdown of each component:

• Monthly wage: The average monthly earnings of an employee, including regular allowance and basic salary. It does not include bonuses or overtime.

• Percentage of disability: The medical profession decides the percentage of disability based on the severity of the injury.

• Factor: It is an additional factor depending on the local laws, considering the employee's age and injury.

Various factors influence the workmen's compensation policy online claim amount. Some of these factors are listed below:

• Nature of Injury: The major factor affecting the workers' claim compensation amount is the nature of the injury. The compensation amount is decided based on the severity of the injury. If an injury leads to permanent disability, the compensation amount will be higher.

• Wage Structure: Another factor that affects the workers' compensation claim amount is the wage structure. If the employee's wage structure is higher, it will lead to higher compensation.

• Legal Regulations: To ensure fairness for the compensation amount, jurisdiction-specific rules also play a crucial role.

• Employee Age: Another factor that affects the workers' compensation claim amount is the employee's age. If the employee is young, then the compensation amount will be higher, as the injury may have impacted their working life.

• Medical Assessment: The medical assessment of injury is also crucial to deciding the percentage of disability while calculating the compensation amount.

Understanding the purpose of workers' comp is crucial for both employers and employees because it ensures that both parties are aware of their rights, responsibilities and protections in the event of a workplace injury.

For employees, knowing how workers' comp works helps them understand what benefits they are entitled to if they are injured on the job, such as medical care, wage replacement and rehabilitation services.

On the employer side, understanding workers' compensation helps them comply with legal requirements and manage risk effectively. Due to this reason, various employers invest in workmen's compensation policies online to avoid legal liabilities and potential lawsuits. TATA AIG offers various SME insurance plans, like workmen's compensation policies, that are customised based on your unique workforce needs.

Can I claim compensation for pre-existing conditions under the workmen's compensation policy?

Under Indian law, workers' compensation typically does not cover claims for pre-existing conditions. Even if a pre-existing condition worsens due to workplace activities, compensation may not be considered.

Do we need to submit a medical report for partial disability benefits under Worker compensation?

Yes, to claim partial disability benefits under workers' compensation in India, a medical report is typically required. This report, issued by a certified medical professional, should detail the nature and extent of the injury, the degree of disability and how it affects the employee's ability to work.

What to do if my workmen's compensation claim has been rejected?

If your workers' compensation claim is rejected, review the reasons for denial and consider appealing the decision with the relevant authorities. You may also need to submit additional medical evidence or documentation to support your claim. Consulting a legal expert can help guide you through the appeals process if needed.