What is the purpose of State Workers' Compensation Programs?

The purpose of State Workers' Compensation Programs is to compensate employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. This program ensures that these workers receive benefits that cover lost wages and medical expenses associated with their work-related injuries or illnesses. The primary aim is to provide financial support and ensure that workers do not face undue hardship as a consequence of being unable to work due to an injury sustained in the workplace.

To put this in context, while free health care, funding retirement plans, and providing unemployment insurance all serve important roles in the social safety net, they do not specifically address the unique needs that arise when an individual is injured on the job. Workers’ compensation fills this crucial gap by offering a structured compensation system focused on recovery and re-entry into the workforce, thus emphasizing the importance of worker safety and well-being.