Break and Bathroom Workers’ Comp Risks

Going to work involves more than sitting at your desk. Other than moving around for business, you might need to visit the bathroom or break room, as anyone does. Though you might not work during these personal times, you are still at work. Often, therefore workers’ compensation might cover you. How do you know if you qualify?

Not all workers’ comp policies will cover all accidents in personal settings. However, if you know why and how an accident occurred, you can often inquire about coverage.

Why Workers’ Comp Cover Break Accidents

When you go to work, you generally have a right to take breaks as needed. Most of us need to visit the bathroom. We also generally take a lunch hour. During this time, though we might not actively work, we are still on the clock. Thus, accidents during this time often have coverage under your business’s workers’ comp insurance.

Let’s say, for example, that there is a puddle in the company lunch room. During your lunch, you slip in the puddle. You might break a bone, sprain your ankle or wrench your back. Besides being painful or lingering, these injuries might impact your ability to work.

Since the injury was an accident, your employer often will have to offer you workers’ comp. By using this supplementary income, you can pay medical bills, receive extra pay and cover other costs during recovery. With coverage, patients can enjoy added financial help. Businesses can likewise benefit by providing coverage. It often eliminates the need for lawsuits and settlements to compensate employees.

Exceptions Exist

Many workers’ comp policies cover break accidents. Still, most won’t cover all scenarios. For example, if you get hurt while eating lunch out of the office, you might not have coverage. Also, you might not have coverage if you undertake excluded activity during a break. An example might be if you fall while doing jumping jacks during lunch. Many policies do not cover recreational activities.

Safety Precautions in Personal Spaces

If you are the business owner, make spaces like restrooms and break areas as safe as possible. It creates a better office environment and lowers the risk of workers’ comp injuries. It will help both you and your employees.

• Mark all hazards with warning signs. For example, you might warn employees about wet floors, sharp objects or hot surfaces.
• Follow all local safety standards regarding workplace security.
• Encourage employees to report developing hazards. Isolate and repair these on time.
• Warn employees about best practices in these areas. Note regulations in your employee handbook.

In the event of an employee injury, start a workers’ comp claim. Provide the employee necessary information, and ensure they follow up on the claim.

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