OSHA and MNOSHA also publish guidance on emerging issues such as COVID‑19 and other infectious‑disease risks, including when cases must be recorded, how to evaluate work‑relatedness, and how to plan for safe operations. These materials are updated regularly and should be checked for current recommendations.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE
WHAT IS WORKERS‘ COMPENSATION COVERS Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who suffer a work‑related injury or occupational disease . Benefits typically include: • Medical care and related expenses. • Wage‑loss benefits that partially replace lost earnings. • Vocational rehabilitation to help injured workers return to suitable employment. • Dependency benefits to survivors in the event of a work‑related death. In Minnesota, benefits are paid by workers’ compensation insurers and approved self‑insured employers under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act, which is designed to standardize benefits, reduce litigation, encourage early rehabilitation, and support return‑to‑work programs.
WHO MUST CARRY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE? General rule
With limited, carefully defined exceptions, Minnesota employers must provide workers’ compensation coverage for all employees and post the name of their insurer on the required notice in a conspicuous place. Under Minn. Stat. § 176.021 and § 176.181: • Every employer is liable for compensation for personal injury or death arising out of and in the course of employment. • Employers not approved to self‑insure must obtain a workers’ compensation policy from an insurer. “Employee” is broadly defined and generally includes minors, part‑time workers, and non‑citizens performing services for hire. A person who hires a nanny, in‑home caregiver, or other domestic worker may be required to Minnesota law identifies limited categories that are automatically excluded from mandatory coverage, largely in small‑business or family‑employment situations, including (simplified): • Sole proprietors and partners with no employees other than certain close family members (spouse, parent, or child). Once a non‑immediate family member is hired, coverage is required. provide coverage once cash‑wage thresholds are met. Common exclusions and small‑employer scenarios
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