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With very few exceptions, all employers are legally required to carry a workers’ compensation insurance policy. Without this crucial safeguard, a company assumes full liability for workplace injuries, which can lead to workers’ comp claims that come with costly medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, legal fees and lost productivity.
The risk is highest for small and mid-sized businesses, where such exposure can be devastating. SMBs, in fact, face unique workers’ compensation challenges stemming from limited resources, knowledge gaps and complex compliance hurdles.
Here are the six biggest workers’ comp insurance policy challenges SMBs face— and how to overcome them.
Workers’ comp compliance involves more than just avoiding claims – it means monitoring state and federal changes related to claims management and case law, as well as accurately reporting injuries. Misclassifying employees or underreporting injuries are common pitfalls that can lead to costly penalties and premium hikes.
SMBs that partner with a reputable professional employer organization (PEO) don’t have to manage these complexities alone. A PEO like Axcet HR Solutions brings specialized expertise in claims management and regulatory requirements, ensuring your business stays compliant while reducing administrative burdens.
RELATED: 10 Best Practices for Workers' Comp Claims Management >>
Workers’ comp insurance policy premiums can be unpredictable. Factors such as industry, business size – and especially claims history – influence premium price tags. To reduce the cost of workers’ comp insurance, employers should focus on improving workplace safety, directing medical care, providing return-to-work programs and enforcing post-accident drug testing. PEOs can help with all of those activities, as well as negotiate better insurance rates.
RELATED: Returning to Work After Workers' Compensation: Tips for Employers >>
Up to 2% of workers’ compensation claims are fraudulent, costing billions nationally and driving up premiums. As SMBs or their PEO partners investigate claims, they should be mindful of these common workers’ comp fraud indicators:
Employers should carefully document incidents, train supervisors on injury response and communicate regularly with injured employees and medical providers to effectively manage claims and reduce fraud risks.
Experienced risk management specialists at Axcet are proficient in managing claims and, as a result, can bring reliable medical providers and attorneys to the table on behalf of their SMB clients when a claim arises.
Overexertion is a leading cause of workplace injuries, accounting for about 22% of workers’ comp claims annually and costing U.S. businesses $12.84 billion, according to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. It often results from lifting heavy loads, repetitive motions, awkward postures or extreme conditions.
Employers who invest in training, make ergonomic improvements and promote a strong safety culture can significantly reduce these risks.
PEOs like Axcet help SMBs strengthen workplace safety by conducting comprehensive safety audits that identify potential hazards before they cause injuries. They also provide access to resources such as safety training programs, ergonomic assessments and industry-specific compliance guidance, empowering employers to proactively address risks and create a healthier, more productive work environment.
RELATED: The Business Case for Making Workplace Health and Safety a Core Value >>
Getting injured employees back to productive work as soon as they are able benefits both the worker and the employer. Best practices to achieve this goal include:
An effective return-to-work program – which a PEO can help create – helps companies balance employee well-being with operational needs to keep productivity levels high.
When choosing a workers’ compensation insurance provider, SMBs should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Traditional carriers offer straightforward coverage but often don’t provide hands-on support. State-run funds can be a fallback for high-risk industries, though they may come with higher premiums and less flexibility.
PEO-sponsored programs often combine competitive rates with access to proactive risk management and compliance expertise that helps reduce claims, control costs and foster safer workplaces. PEO workers’ comp insurance offers these additional advantages:
Regardless of the provider type, SMBs should look for adequate coverage limits, premium flexibility that adjusts with workforce changes and clear policy terms that outline exclusions and responsibilities. Selecting a provider that not only covers claims but also helps prevent them can result in lower workers’ comp insurance costs and a safer workplace over time.
A proactive, informed approach to workers’ compensation is essential for SMBs to safeguard employees and manage costs. From compliance and fraud prevention to workplace safety and streamlined claims management, these challenges require specialized knowledge and resources.
Partnering with a certified PEO like Axcet HR Solutions simplifies workers’ compensation complexities by providing expert claims management, safety resources, cost-effective insurance options and ongoing risk management support. With Axcet, business owners have more time to focus on growth and success while simultaneously ensuring their workforce and company are protected.
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