Workers’ Compensation for E-commerce Businesses

E-commerce was already fairly common, but after the COVID-19 pandemic began its popularity expanded exponentially. More and more businesses are adding e-commerce capabilities or taking their operations fully online. E-commerce businesses might not have physical stores like traditional companies do, but they still need to follow proper business practices by having insurance policies such as workers’ compensation for their staffs. 

Workers’ Compensation Requirements for E-commerce Businesses 

Most states require workers’ compensation coverage if you have any number of employees, but the exact coverage requirements vary. This coverage will help in the event that an employee experiences a work-related injury or illness. The different coverage options usually fall under the categories of legal liability, vocational and occupational illness, or lost wages.  

What Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation for Employees of E-commerce Businesses? 

Below are the most common areas covered by workers’ compensation for employees of e-commerce businesses: 

Medical Expenses 
Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage to help employees pay for medical expenses related to an occupational injury or illness. For an e-commerce business, this could be something like an employee dropping a heavy box on their foot and needing to get medical attention. 

Missed Wages 
Workers’ compensation also helps cover lost wages when an employee is recovering from a work-related injury or illness. Depending on the state and the policy, the employee’s wages will either be completely covered or a percentage of their wages will be paid for a set period of time. 

Ongoing Care 
Some work-related injuries and illnesses have long-lasting effects that require weeks, months or years of physical therapy or medication. Workers’ compensation will help cover these ongoing costs. 

Funeral Costs 
If the worst happens, and an employee loses their life due to a work-related accident, workers’ compensation coverage will help pay for funeral costs and provide death benefits to the employee’s beneficiaries. 

Illnesses 
Working conditions can sometimes expose employees to harmful chemicals and allergens that lead to chronic illnesses. Workers’ compensation will help cover costs for necessary treatments and ongoing care. 

Repetitive Injuries 
Some work-related injuries aren’t the result of one single incident—often, they can be from repeated actions that cause harm over the years. An example would be an employee developing carpal tunnel syndrome after months or years of typing with poor ergonomics. Workers’ compensation can help cover the cost of these injuries. 

Disabilities 
Work-related injuries can be severe enough to cause a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation will help cover medical bills and replace some of their lost wages. 

To determine the best coverage your e-commerce business needs, contact the experts at Well Insurance. We specialize in e-commerce insurance, and we know what you need to help you and your employees stay protected.