Workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state, but nearly every employer in the US is required to have some form of coverage for their employees — and states can get very specific about how you handle this essential piece of your HR. For instance, North Dakota, Ohio, Washington, and Wyoming require employers to get coverage through state-owned programs. The other 46 states will permit you to purchase your workers’ comp insurance through a licensed broker. Failure to meet these requirements can result in hefty fines — and potential liabilities to employees who get injured or ill while on the job.
No matter the size of your business, it’s essential to know and adhere to the worker’s compensation insurance laws for your state (as well as a host of other HR compliance requirements). Choose your state from the map above to see what you need to know about workers’ comp requirements for your small business.