Accidents are inevitable. Proactive measures and occupational safety programs can help to reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents. However, it can be challenging to eliminate the potential risks at the workplace completely. Some of the occupations like construction, firefighters, loggers, miners, etc. are of high-risk nature. Hence, it is imperative to avail of occupational hazard insurance and workers’ compensation policies as risk management tools for financial protection. Occupational hazard insurance and workers’ compensation are the two terms often used interchangeably. However, they can have nuanced differences in some contexts. Let us understand the differences in detail.
What is occupational hazard insurance?
In a standard reference, occupational hazard insurance provides coverage to employees for work-related injuries, deaths, disabilities, or occupational illnesses. The purpose of this insurance is to protect both employees and employers. The policy helps the employer in meeting the statutory liability by providing financial support to employees for medical expenses, sudden demise, rehabilitation, and lost wages in the event of a workplace injury or illness.
Occupational hazard insurance is a broader term that may encompass various types of insurance policies related to occupational risks. It might include coverage in the form of workers’ compensation and specific hazard cover for certain occupations. It is also quite challenging to get life insurance for high-risk occupations. Hence, insurers may offer a policy with a combination of life cover and occupation hazard cover.
Occupational hazard insurance vs Workers’ compensation insurance
Both the insurance serves the same purpose. However, the coverage inclusiveness can vary slightly. The following are some of the key differences between occupational hazard insurance and workers’ compensation insurance based on key elements.
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Definition
Workers’ compensation is a form of liability insurance that provides financial benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to workplace accidents or job nature. It is a no-fault system, meaning that benefits are provided regardless of who was at fault for the incident.
Occupational insurance is a broader term that may provide more comprehensive coverage related to occupational risks. Along with workplace injuries and disabilities, It might include coverage for specific hazards associated with certain occupations.
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Scope of Coverage
Workers’ compensation typically covers death due to workplace accidents, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to disability. For example, let us assume an employee working on a construction site falls from the top floor and breaks their leg. Workers’ compensation insurance would cover employees’ medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of their lost wages during the recovery period.
Occupational hazard insurance can sometimes be used more broadly to refer to insurance policies that cover a range of occupational risks, including general liability insurance for businesses. For example, A business owner purchases a comprehensive occupational hazard insurance policy that includes cover for many such. This can include general liability cover along with workmen’s compensation. In that case, you can avail coverage for property damage, liability arising from any accidents on the premises, and any other potential lawsuits related to occupational hazards. The insurer may tailor the policy based on occupational risk hazard assessment.
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Insurance needs
It is a statutory mandate for employers to have workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees and themselves from liability claims arising from work-related injuries or illnesses.
In some contexts, occupational hazard might be used to highlight coverage for specific occupational risks beyond what is covered by standard workers’ compensation. For example, miners work in environments with potential hazards like gas leaks, equipment-related accidents, and cave-ins. Occupational hazard insurance can provide comprehensive coverage based on the need. Considering the challenges of getting hazardous occupation life insurance for employees of such high-risk occupations, the policy can be customised.
Conclusion
To sum up, both occupational hazard insurance and workers’ compensation insurance provide financial assistance, promote workplace safety, and ensure legal compliance. The extent of coverage, specifications, and terms can vary based on the insurance policies chosen by employers. Knowing the differences can help the employer to make a rational insurance buying decision.
