All car wash owners want to know their employees are safe – and that they’ll be taken care of in case of injury.
Slippery floors, massive machinery and chemical exposure are among common safety hazards. Car wash businesses have reported injuries, hospitalizations and even fatalities to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
That’s where workers’ compensation insurance comes in to make sure employees are provided for.
What is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Workers’ comp insurance is a policy that covers employees in the case of illness or injury at the workplace. Policies cover things such as medical expenses and lost wages. Importantly, having a workers’ comp policy in place also protects employers and businesses from liability.
While workers’ comp policies usually do cover occupational illnesses, such as lung disease for miners, they usually don’t include common illnesses like the flu. Guidance from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) would suggest that COVID-19 is unlikely to fall under workers’ comp coverage for car washes.
Most states require businesses like car washes to carry workers’ comp policies. Check the U.S. Department of Labor’s website to find your state official’s website and contact information for specific requirements. You may risk being in violation of state law if you don’t have a policy.
Choosing a Workers’ Comp Policy
You may have a few avenues to secure a workers’ comp insurance policy, depending on your state’s laws and policies. They include:
- Private insurance companies.
- State funds, which may be competitive or monopolistic.
- Self-insurance.
- Assigned risk plans, which are generally a last resort.
Pricing for workers’ comp plans varies, but is often connected to the number of workers you employ, the amount of your payroll and the risk at your car wash. Shop around to find a policy that fits your state’s requirements, your coverage preferences and your car wash’s budget.
If you’re exploring coverage from private insurance companies, remember that you’re the customer. Ask to explore multiple plans and options, so that you can find the best fit at the right price. Look for a company that you trust and that treats you with respect. The customer service you get while looking for a plan may be indicative of how easy the company will be for you and your employees to work with down the road.
Keep Your Car Wash Safe
OSHA and the International Carwash Association (ICA) partnered to create specific safety tips to help prevent slips, trips and falls. The recommendations are simple to implement and can save employees from pain and injury. The ICA keeps a list of other car wash safety resources on its website.
OSHA also offers free on-site consultation services for small- and medium-sized businesses. The service is completely separate from official OSHA inspections, so there’s no risk of incurring a citation. A local consultant will visit your car wash to flag hazards, make recommendations for OSHA compliance, and advise on health and safety programs.
If one of your car wash attendants is hurt on the job, your state likely requires that you report the injury shortly after it happens. Know what your responsibility is before an accident happens to avoid potential fines.
Staying on top of OSHA regulation compliance and potential safety hazards helps you stay ahead of workplace injuries. After all, the best workers’ comp policy is the one you never need to use.
If you’d like a hand sorting out your state’s workers’ comp requirements for your car wash, we can help. Set up some time to chat with us here. We’d love to hear from you!