Anyone who has suffered an injury at work needs to file a workers’ compensation claim immediately. Doing so can help pay for future medical expenses and keep the person afloat when he or she may be unable to work. However, many employees are naturally hesitant about informing the boss about an injury.
The reason for this is that it is in an employer’s best interest to have as few workers’ comp claims as possible. After hearing about an injury, the employer must notify his or her insurance carrier. Too many claims will likely lead to an increase in the premium. Employees sustaining injuries have a direct impact on the company’s bottom line. Unfortunately, California has some of the highest premium rates in the country, according to a study from the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.
California ranks second with the highest premium rates in the country
California has the second highest premium rates in the United States, only behind New York. This means employers have to pay even more for insurance policies in addition to increased prices for everything else from property to gasoline. Premium rates have fallen all over the country over the last few years, and California has followed suit to an extent. However, the prices remain high, and this can complicate the workers’ comp processes for any employees who need it. While premium rates typically increase from one year to the next no matter what, employers should take steps to lower the premium while giving employees the compensation they need when they need it most.
There are ways to try to lower premiums
Employers should take preventive actions to reduce the number of accidents that occur on the worksite. Providing the proper safety gear and hanging up appropriate signs in the right areas can help immensely. Taking preventive action and presenting it to the insurance company may even reduce the premium on its own.