Workers' comp requirements that Connecticut employers should understand

Workers’ compensation protects Connecticut employers and employees

Workers’ compensation insurance helps protect businesses and employees from financial loss when an employee suffers an illness or injury while at work. For employers, it can also provide peace of mind. That’s because, in most cases, it offers the company protection from legal claims that might arise if an employee gets sick or injured while working.

Which employers in Connecticut are required to offer workers’ comp benefits?

Simply put, all businesses with one (1) or more employees, whether part-time or full-time, are legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance.

Sole proprietors, multiple-member LLCs, corporate officers, and partnerships may elect not to carry workers’ compensation insurance for themselves. However, they must always provide coverage for their employees.

Who oversees workers’ comp rules in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) administers the workers’ compensation laws in the state. Their goal is to ensure that workers who are injured on the job receive prompt payment of wage loss benefits and appropriate medical treatment. To this end, the Commission approves voluntary agreements, adjudicates disputes, issues findings and awards, hears and rules on appeals, and closes out pending cases through full and final stipulated agreements.

How do employers purchase workers’ comp in Connecticut?

Business owners can purchase workers’ compensation insurance from private insurance carriers and usually can choose from different types of plans.

Traditional plans

Premiums for these types of plans get calculated based on an estimate of a company’s annual gross wages. Once the insurer calculates the premium, employers pay an upfront lump sum (which sometimes comes with quarterly or annual premiums) for the rest of the year.

Pay-as-you-go plans

On the other hand, pay-as-you-go premiums are calculated during payroll runs so businesses are paying exact amounts for their coverage (and not a number based on an estimate).

In the event your business is unable to secure coverage through a private insurer, it is possible to obtain coverage through the Connecticut Insurance Department.

What are the penalties for Connecticut employers who fail to furnish workers’ comp insurance?

There can be some less-than-desirable outcomes for companies that do not carry coverage in the state of Connecticut. If non-compliant, the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission will issue a stop-work order until your insurance is paid and will impose a fine of $250 and up per worker per day (for anyone who is not covered), according to Section 31-288 of the Connecticut’s Workers’ Compensation Act.

Notice to employees

In addition to adopting a workers’ comp policy, employers must complete the Notice to Employees and post it in a conspicuous place that’s easy for workers to see, in each workplace that they have in the state of Connecticut.

What should I do if an employee gets hurt or contracts an illness?

Should an employee experience an incident while on the job, the first thing they need to do is communicate this information to you or a supervisor (and immediately seek medical treatment). Employees should also file a 30C Claim Form – Notice of Claim for Compensation.

At that point, the employer should  file an “Employer’s First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness” (FRI) form — which is sometimes referred to as an “accident report” — with both your:

• Workers’ compensation insurance carrier
• Workers’ Compensation Commission

Resources for Connecticut employers

Below are resources for more information to help you should an incident happen to an employee while on the job

• State of Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission
• Notice to employees poster
• Employer’s First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness
• Employer’s pocket guide
• Workers’ compensation act
• Workers’ compensation information packet