Even with the best training and safety precautions, it’s still a possibility that one day one of your workers or volunteers could be hurt in an accident. Even a minor injury could result in a major medical bill, that in turn could lead to a lawsuit for your Post. Employees and volunteers are at the heart of your Post, so it’s important that you protect them while also protecting your organization.
Different insurance coverage responds depending on the type of claim. While your Post likely has Workers’ Compensation coverage if you have employees, it’s important to know this coverage isn’t for volunteers, who are best protected by Volunteer Accident Insurance. Understanding the difference in these two types of coverage is crucial to ensure all your people are protected.
Here’s what to know about Workers’ Compensation and Volunteer Accident Insurance and why your Post may need both.
What to Know About Workers’ Compensation for Posts
Accidents can happen when you least expect them, in spite of proper safety training and procedures. The consequences of an employee accident can be serious and may result in:
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitation
- Accidental death
- Dismemberment
- Paralysis
- Permanent disability
Workers’ Compensation exists to cover your organization and your employees when such an accident takes place during the course of work.
Workers’ Compensation can protect both employees and their employer from the high costs of medical care, damages and legal fees. This coverage exists to make sure that Post employees and their families have a remedy for workplace injuries and that the Post is not overly burdened with high costs in the event of an accident.
Some key facts to know about Workers’ Compensation:
- Workers’ Compensation insurance is required by law in almost every state.
- Salaried, hourly, exempt, non-exempt, part-time and full-time workers all need to be covered by Workers’ Compensation.
- Even some commission-only workers, contractors and subcontractors and paid family members of an organization may need coverage.
With a Workers’ Compensation policy from Lockton Affinity, you can get the coverage you need to meet state requirements and minimize the risks your Post faces. Plus, it’s easy and fast to find the right coverage for your Post today.
What to Know About Volunteer Accident Insurance for Posts
While Workers’ Compensation provides broad coverage for your Post and its employed workers, Workers’ Compensation won’t apply if a non-paid volunteer is injured. This is why Volunteer Accident Insurance is recommended to protect these members of your Post community.
Some key facts to know about Volunteer Accident Insurance:
- Volunteer Accident Insurance isn’t required by law, but is recommended to protect your Post and your volunteers.
- Volunteer Accident coverage may apply prior to or in excess of the volunteer’s individual health insurance coverage.
- Without coverage, your Post may be held liable for costs and fees in the event a volunteer is injured when working on behalf of your organization.
For many Posts, volunteers play a big role in your operations and events. An accident or injury for a non-paid volunteer puts your organization at risk. Without protection for your Post’s volunteer workforce, your Post could again face high costs for medical care, damages or legal fees if someone is injured while volunteering.
Conclusion
Safety and training can’t eliminate all risk, and an employee or volunteer may one day suffer a serious injury at the Post. To fully protect your Post, you may need both Workers’ Compensation coverage for your employees and Volunteer Accident Insurance for your volunteer workforce.