According to Liberty Mutual Insurance, the 2024 Workplace Safety Index has evaluated the top 10 causes behind serious workplace injuries and ranked them by determining direct costs concerning medical bills and lost income.
The top ten causes for the severely unsafe workplace incidents are getting caught in or crushed by equipment or objects; falling on the same level; falling to lower levels; overexertion involving outside sources; other exertions or bodily reactions; doing the same thing over and over again; a road accident with a vehicle; slipping or tripping while not falling; and being struck by objects or equipment.
You are entitled to compensation for injuries sustained while working if you have been injured.
You may have heard the term “DWC” as you begin the process of claiming financial aid for your injury.
What is DWC? The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) helps hurt workers get the benefits they are owed. The employer must give the employee the DWC 1, which is also called the Employee’s Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits, for any injury claims in California. California state laws mandate employers to provide employees with the form either in person or through the mail.
Let’s look at how the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) can help all workers in the workers’ compensation system be treated fairly.
Understanding the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
The Workers’ Compensation Division is an important part of the system for monitoring workers’ compensation programs. How does it impact your work environment?
The DWC implements rules concerning the processing of claims and prevents non-compliance by employers and insurers.
They also offer resources and support to help an employee understand his or her rights and obligations as stipulated in the law. Get to know the DWC to make your claims process manageable.
The agency also promotes safety and rehabilitation to prevent workplace injuries and improve the lives of workers.
Key Functions of the DWC
Getting involved in workers’ compensation will highlight the importance of DWC functions in your experience.
The DWC is the regulator of the workers’ compensation system. The agency sees to it that employers and insurers adhere to the established laws. They provide assistance and information so that an employee may understand the system-related rights and responsibilities.
The agency also oversees the claims process to guarantee that disputes are resolved within the allotted timeframe. Training programs are also conducted by the agency to explain best technical practices or recent regulation changes.
The Impact of DWC on Injured Workers
The majority of DWC’s decisions are important, as they directly affect workers or injured workers. The DWC evaluates benefits, medical care, and compensation for workers.
After filing a claim, the DWC will examine facts to see that the workers are properly treated. The DWC regulates the coverage of benefits that will financially assist you during your recovery.
They will also see to it that employers adhere to what is stated by the law, affecting the amount you can get. DWC mediates between you, your employer, and your medical providers.
Employer Responsibilities Under DWC Regulations
The employer must handle several DWC regulatory responsibilities to provide a safe and fair environment for employees.
As an employer, you have to primarily secure proper workers’ compensation coverage for all eligible workers. When an approved workers’ compensation injury happens, report the injury immediately and all records must be properly kept.
Create and implement safety programs in hazard reduction, accident prevention, safe working procedures, and emergency procedures.
Injured employees should be given immediate access to medical providers for treatment.
To prevent fines and legal problems, keep up with the changes in DWC rules.
Dealing with the Claims Process with DWC Assistance
After complying with the DWC regulations, you may still be tasked to assist workers in their claims procedure.
Tell workers how important it is to register their injuries within the statute of limitations so that there are no problems with their claim. Give the workers the right paperwork to fill out and then verify if they have done so with the right information.
Orient the employees about the process and what is expected of them within the timeframe. Urge them to record their medical treatments and any related expenses.
Advise them that they can access the DWC resources for guidance if they encounter any difficulty. Support your employees as they go through the process of availing their benefits. The assistance of employers will make workers feel that their welfare is prioritized.
After a work-related injury, the DWC plays a huge role in processing an employee’s compensation benefits. Do not hesitate to reach out to the agency for assistance as you recover.
