Labor power is the only capital that every working laborer possesses for their livelihood. Government has thus made it mandatory for the employer to compensate the labor for losses suffered due to workplace accidents. As per the labor protection laws, the government has made provisions of social guarantees for the affected laborers in accidental mishaps. The insurance compensation limits for each type of worker compensation claim are well-defined under the provisions of the Workmen Compensation Act, of 1923.
Labor insurance is crucial for both employers and employees. It is a win-win program for both employers and employees as it gives financial protection to both. WC policy gives protection to employers against the statutory liabilities that arise from worker compensation claims. It gives financial support to workers by compensating them. When they suffer injury, death, illness, or disability due to workplace-related accidents.
Generally, the main component of labor insurance includes medical coverage for injuries, death benefits, disability benefits (both temporary and permanent disablement), and rehabilitation support. However, the compensation limits and duration can depend on the severity and percentage of disability.
Reasons why labor insurance matters to regular employees and hired labor
There are many reasons why labor insurance matters to regular employees and hired labor. Labor insurance provides financial support to employees by compensating them with medical expenses when they suffer an injury at the workplace. The policy pays the lump sum death compensation to the dependents in case the employee dies due to workplace accidents. WC policy also pays the disablement benefits as per the provisions of the Workmen Compensation Act, of 1923. Let us look at the compensation limit specified for each type of claim under the Workmen Compensation Act:
Affect on Death due to workplace accidents in Labor Insurance
Amount of compensation paid to a dependent family member – INR 1,20,000 or (50% X Age Factor X Wages), whichever is higher. The maximum amount of wages that can be considered for the calculation of compensation amount is INR 15,000 monthly.
Permanent total disablement suffered by an employee due to on-the-job injury
Amount of compensation paid to disabled employees – INR 1,20,000 or (60% X Age Factor X Wages), whichever is higher. The maximum prescribed limit of wages for calculation is INR 15,000 monthly.
Permanent partial disablement suffered by an employee due to workplace accidents
In case of partial disablement, the compensation is paid to replace the income loss during the period of recovery. The amount of compensation paid to affected employees is calculated as the degree of disability described in percentage by the medical practitioner X Age Factor X Wages.
Temporary total/partial disablement suffered due to on-the-job injuries
The amount of compensation can go up to 25% of the monthly wages of employees. Depending on the number of days of absence from work or the recovery time.
When it comes to compensating for medical expenses, the compensation includes hospital bills, medication, and rehabilitation support for injured employees to return to work.
Does insurance cover labor and delivery?
When it comes to labor insurance, the coverage for labor and delivery is provided to employees under the provisions of the Workmen Compensation Act only in the following scenarios:
- If the pregnant worker suffers an injury due to job-related accidents, then the WC policy covers the medical expenses related to labor and delivery.
- If the pregnant employee suffers an occupational illness due to hazardous work nature and environment. Then the policy compensates for pregnancy-related medical expenses.
- Compensation is provided under labor insurance for aggravation of pregnancy-related health issues or disability due to work-related stress.
Conclusion
Labor insurance is a crucial aspect of business insurance for any employer to have a safety net against statutory liabilities. Along with that it hugely matters to regular employees and hired labor to get the financial assistance at the right time without any hassles. Labor insurance ensures the valued asset of the organisation i.e., employees are protected in an unforeseen situation at the workplace.
