A Complete Guide To Workers Comp For Restaurants

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, restaurants account for hundreds of thousands of reported injuries yearly. That’s why it’s so essential for restaurant owners to understand Workers’ Compensation and how it can help protect their business and employees.

It’s no secret that the restaurant industry is one of the most dangerous in the country. So whether you’re a restaurateur just starting or you’ve been in business for years, read on to learn about Workers’ Comp and how it benefits restaurants.

What Is Workers’ Compensation For Restaurants?

Workers’ compensation insurance protects employees injured or sick because of their job. Employers are usually required by law to have this type of coverage, and often, employees are included in the plan automatically.

If an employee is injured on the job or becomes ill because of their job, workers’ compensation can help cover medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.

Workers’ compensation may also pay for retraining or rehabilitation if an employee cannot go back to their previous job.

What Are The Common Restaurant Workers Comp Claims?

There are several restaurant workers’ comp claims in the restaurant industry. These are some of the most common.

Scrapes, Cuts, and Punctures: Sharp objects are a common cause of injury in restaurant kitchens, accounting for 23 percent of all workers’ compensation claims.

Slips and falls are the second most common cause of restaurant workers’ compensation claims, accounting for 18% of all claims. However, what is more, costly and dangerous is that slips and falls also account for 37% of all incurred costs for restaurant workers’ compensation claims.

Scalds and Burns: Scalding and burning injuries are some of the most common worker’s compensation claims and can be very serious. To reduce your risk of these kinds of injuries, you should take every possible precaution.

What Are The Benefits Of Workers’ Compensation?

First, if an employee is injured while working, they could sue you. Workers’ compensation insurance makes employees more likely to file claims with the insurance company. Thus, in short– get insured to avoid any legal issues.

Second, by offering workers’ compensation, you can demonstrate to your employees that their safety and well-being are a priority to you. This translates into decreased employee turnover rates as they feel valued by you as their employer.

Lastly, if an employee is injured on the job, the cost of medical treatment and lost wages can be high.

Workers’ compensation can help cover these costs, so you don’t have to.

What Are The Covered Benefits?

  • Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation will help pay for your medical expenses, including copays, hospital visits, and prescriptions.
  • Wage replacement benefits: You may be qualified to receive workers’ compensation benefits which will help cover a fraction of your lost wages.
  • Death benefits: If an employee dies from a work-related injury or illness, their death benefits may be available to their surviving family members.

Guide To Workers Comp For Restaurants: In Closing

Restaurants are an important part of the American economy, and workers in this industry must have access to workers’ compensation insurance. This article has hopefully answered some of your questions about restaurant workers’ comp and given you a better understanding of how it works.

If you still have questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact a professional who can help. Thanks for reading.