Your team members are the lifeblood of your business, and it’s your responsibility to provide them with a safe work environment at all times! The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) provides insurance benefits to employees who are injured in the line of duty, and there are certain procedures that must be followed to ensure that employers are not forced to pay claims out of their own operational budget. The good news is that it’s very easy to run a fully compliant operation, and our team at First Choice is here to help!

We’re proud to be Arkansas’ most trusted third-party administrator, and we offer every conceivable lab test at our southwest Little Rock testing center. We offer industry-leading turnaround times on all drug and alcohol testing services, and we keep a Medical Review Officer (MRO) on staff to ensure the accuracy of all results. Here are a few frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation insurance, and we’re a phone call away if you don’t see the answer to your specific question in the section below!

What is workers’ compensation insurance? Workers’ compensation insurance is administered and underwritten by insurance carriers, and it provides wage replacement, medical care, and rehabilitation for eligible employees who are injured on the job or develop a work-related illness.

What is a fit-for-duty exam? Before employees begin work or return to work after a workplace accident, they must undergo a fit-for-duty exam to ensure they meet the physical demands of the job. The exam also helps to document prior injuries so that you’re not held liable for frivolous claims unrelated to the accident.

How can employers meet their workers’ compensation requirements? All employers must obtain insurance through a licensed private insurer, broker, or agent, and display required notices of compliance in a conspicuous location at the workplace. It’s also important to regularly review policies to ensure that coverage gaps don’t occur, particularly if you’ve recently scaled up your operation and hired additional staff. Most importantly, your team members should undergo comprehensive safety training at least annually, and they should be encouraged to immediately report any safety hazards to their supervisors without fear of punishment or reprisal.

To learn more about workers’ compensation insurance or to schedule a fit-for-duty exam, contact us online or at (501) 661-9992.