5
COVID-19
FAQs for COVID-19 Insurance Coverage
This FAQ is not a substitute for consulting your broker or the Risk Strategies team of experts and, if applicable, your insurance carrier.
T
he outbreak of COVID-19 has changed the world as
■ If you have workers currently out of work due to occu-
we know it. Our very lives may depend on the actions
pational injuries, it is important to bear in mind that their
we take now. Those actions have far reaching implications
ability to obtain elective surgeries and rehab treatments
for our family, our employees and our customers. Most con-
may be limited. In the short term, we expect to see some
cerning is how this evolving situation impacts our business
increase in cost on such claims as well as an increased
and future livelihood. The RSC team of experts have put
period of time before employers are able to bring workers
together the following FAQ to provide additional guidance
back on light duty.
specific to Insurance and Risk Management. We are here to assist and wish you all remain safe and healthy.
Will workers who contract COVID-19 be able to file for Workers Compensation?
What is OSHA requiring from employers when employees contract the virus? ■ COVID-19 can be a recordable illness if a worker is infected as a result of performing their work-related
■ Under certain circumstances, depending on the state
duties. However, employers are only responsible for
and the insurer, claims from healthcare providers and first
recording cases of COVID-19 if all of the following condi-
responders involving COVID-19 may be allowed. Claims
tions are met:
from others who meet certain criteria for exposure to COVID-19 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
1. The case is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (see CDC information on persons under investigation and presumptive positive and laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19).
■ In most cases, however, unless the individual is in a high-
2. The case is work-related, as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5
risk job (such as healthcare providers), exposure and/
3. The case involves one or more of the general recording
or contraction of COVID-19 is not considered to be an
criteria set forth in 29 CFR 1904.7 (e.g. medical treatment
allowable, work-related condition. However, some states
beyond first-aid, days away from work).
are looking to adapt to this evolving situation, and it is possible some will take measures to expand the scope of work-related conditions. ■ We recommend that employers file all potential workers
Will your property policy cover a Government Mandated Shutdown of my facility for lost revenue under the Business Interruption form?
compensation claims related to COVID-19 to open all
This depends on many factors. Certain things should be
potential paths to healthcare to their employees via their
considered to assess each specific situation.
applicable benefits programs, including workers compensation coverage. Many states have enhanced accessibility to unemployment benefits as well.
■ Always refer back to actual policy terms. Many policies have a virus and bacteria endorsement that excludes losses caused by or contributed to by a virus like COVID-19.
28 Premier Flooring Retailer | Q1 2020
