Your safety and well-being at work aren’t just important; they’re everything! While we all do our best to stay safe, accidents or illnesses can still happen on the job. The good news? Hawaii’s Workers’ Compensation (WC) law has your back.

The History Behind Workers’ Compensation

Hawaii’s Workers’ Compensation law has been around since 1915, making sure workers get the support they need when they’re injured or become ill because of work. This means you’ll receive medical care and financial help, no matter who’s at fault for the accident. Plus, under this law, you won’t have to sue your employer to get the benefits you deserve.

Who Needs to Offer Workers’ Compensation?

Any employer in Hawaii—whether they have full-time, part-time, permanent, or temporary workers—must provide WC coverage. Got one employee or 100? WC coverage is a must.

What to Do if You’re Injured at Work

Here’s a quick guide to make sure you’re covered if an accident happens:

• Report Your Injury: Tell your supervisor or employer right away. It’s best not to wait.
• Employer’s Report: Your employer has to file an “Employer’s Report of Industrial Injury” (WC-1) with the WC Division within seven working days—even if they’re unsure whether the injury is work-related.

How Workers’ Compensation Coverage Works

Most employers get insurance to handle WC claims. And no, you don’t pay a penny for this insurance—it’s fully covered by your employer. Some employers decide to be self-insured, but they have to show the state they can pay out any benefits owed.

What Employers Must Do

Employers have some key responsibilities, including:

• Posting information about Workers’ Compensation benefits where everyone can see it.
• Giving you a brochure called “Highlights of the Hawaii Workers’ Compensation Law” within three days of your injury.

Your Benefits When Injured

Here’s a snapshot of the support you can expect:

• Medical Benefits: All necessary medical care, including surgeries and hospital stays, is covered. And yes, you get to choose your doctor!
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: If you can’t work, you’ll get wage loss benefits, as certified by your doctor.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: Payments for losing partial use of your body due to the injury.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits: Payments if you can’t return to work at all.
• Disfigurement Benefits: Compensation for scars or other disfigurements.
• Death Benefits: Payments to a spouse and dependent children if the injury leads to death.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: This includes career counseling, training, and job placement if you can’t go back to your previous role.

What If There Are Problems?

If your claim gets denied or you hit a bump in the road, don’t worry. You can request a hearing, and a hearing officer will make a decision within 60 days. If you still aren’t satisfied, you can appeal within 20 days.

No Workers’ Comp Coverage? Here’s What to Do

If you find out your employer doesn’t have Workers’ Compensation coverage, reach out to the Investigation Section in Honolulu or your local Department of Labor and Industrial Relations District Office. They’re there to help.

Your safety matters, and so does knowing your rights. Stay informed, stay safe, and remember that Hawaii’s Workers’ Compensation law is here to protect you when you need it most!