In 1916, Workmen’s compensation act passed by congress
During World War I, several pieces of ground-breaking labour legislation were passed through Congress, an effect of the growing role that organized labor began to play in the political realm. One of those pieces of legislation was the Workingmen’s Compensation Act. This program was established to help protect workers and those who depend on them from suffering hardships in times of workplace injuries or death.
Until the act passed through Congress in 1916, any employee who was injured on the job and was not able to work was simply not paid. Think about it – if you’re not able to work, you can’t make money. If you can’t make money, you can’t afford the doctor bills to get better. If you can’t your doctors bills to get better, you can’t go back to work. It was a vicious cycle that left many employees unable to provide for their families.
The rules and regulations for workers’ compensation vary by state. However, most businesses purchase workers’ compensation insurance policies to help pay employee claims for workplace injuries. These policies not only assist businesses in paying claims, but also help give workers access to treatment that helps them recover and return to work sooner.
Compiled by Durreshahwar
