Some workers in Georgia accept new jobs with the hope of developing those positions into their careers. They take an entry-level position and intend to stay with that company for years if not decades. Other times, people may only need a temporary dig to supplement their income because of a sudden expense. They might look for seasonal work because their primary job slows down toward the end of the year.
Temporary and seasonal employees could work irregular schedules in a part-time arrangement. They may not receive the good benefits and pay that full-time, permanent workers do. Still, they face many of the same hazards on the job as those who stay with the same company for years. Seasonal workers could face all kinds of hazards ranging from slip-and-falls while rushing to care for customers to violence initiated by members of the public. Those with seasonal or temporary positions could develop very significant work injuries because of their employment.
Can workers who just started their jobs or who intend to leave a company eventually still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits?
Coverage begins on the first day of employment
The details of an employee’s work arrangements do not have much impact on their eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Employers typically need to carry coverage for every worker at the organization, even those who may only have a job there for several weeks. That coverage begins the very first day the worker is on the job, even if they are still in training.
A part-time high school employee working a seasonal job has the same basic workers’ compensation coverage as a senior employee who has been with the company for decades. So long as the medical issue the worker faces has a direct association with their job, they can potentially qualify for benefits. The medical benefits available through workers’ compensation can pay for their treatment. Disability benefits can help replace their lost wages even if they may not have stayed with the company for years.
Seasonal and temporary workers may feel particularly anxious at the prospect of filing a workers’ compensation claim. Learning more about the Georgia workers’ compensation program and getting the right support can make a big difference for workers dealing with job-related injuries.
Remember, as long as you are not a complete independent contractor, where you control your own hours and can do the job as you see fit, you should be covered under your employer’s work comp insurance regardless of what kind of an employee you are classified as.