Construction workers must endure difficult weather and schedules to complete their work. While this line of work is challenging anywhere in the U.S., it is especially complicated in areas with extreme heat. In Florida, construction workers are vulnerable to dehydration and are easily injured at work because of the weather conditions.
With worker’s compensation, you can protect your construction crew while protecting yourself from liability. In Florida, most businesses are required to have workers’ compensation insurance when their team is made up of at least four employees. For construction businesses, this law differs: you need coverage even with just one employee. Likewise, insurance coverage extends to full and part-time employees in Florida.
In most states, business owners are legally obligated to have worker’s compensation insurance to protect against work-related injuries and associated medical and legal expenses. In the state of Florida, construction workers are more likely to get injured on the job due to the common occurrence of intense heat and tropical weather. For more information on why Florida workmans comp is a must for construction workers in Florida, continue reading.
Florida workmans comp coverage lists expectations for business owners.
Workers’ compensation protects business owners from paying for damages from on-the-job accidents and employee injuries. When an employee gets injured on site, coverage grants benefits to cover medical expenses immediately following the injury and ongoingly. Suppose you forgo Florida workmans comp coverage for your business and crew.
In that case, you are legally responsible for not protecting your construction crew and risk losing your business. Severe penalties like ceasing operations until a penalty is paid can result if you fail to meet the legal guidelines established by the state. The injuries covered under worker’s comp insurance vary in Florida, but you can understand what is generally accepted under Florida workmans comp with the examples listed below. Note: Construction workers must report their work-related injury immediately to ensure coverage benefits are received without investigation due to delay. Independent contractors are considered employees under Florida law, meaning workers’ comp insurance covers them.
Injuries typically covered by coverage:
- The injury does not result from intent to self-harm or due to drinking, drug use, or fighting at work.
- The injury is due to occupational hazards, chemical exposure, repetitive motions, etc.
- The injury results from a pre-existing condition.
Injury is more likely to occur for crews working in high-heat, tropical areas.
The high level of danger associated with construction work renders businesses more liable for construction coverage as it is more likely that an employee will be injured on the job. Crews working in high-heat, tropical regions are especially vulnerable to injury. Florida workmans comp laws also pertain to subcontractors, and they must have coverage before beginning any work on a construction site.
Get the legal coverage that will keep your construction business and your crew protected.
Construction work is hazardous. Protect your business and crew by purchasing insurance coverage. If you reside in Florida, obey the law and get Florida workmans comp to protect your business.