WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE IS INJURED?

All injuries should be reported to the immediate supervisor.  Most theatre companies are required by law and in compliance with Workman’s compensation laws to have documentation of any time an employee is injured on the job.  

Worker’s Compensation coverage is the employer’s responsibility and most theatre employees are covered from the day employment starts.  The law covers both mental and physical injury from either accidents or occupational diseases.  Generally benefits must be paid even when the injury is the fault of the person injured.  All compensation and medical payments are based on the medical reports of the treating practitioner.  The costs for reasonable and necessary medical treatment will be paid by Worker’s compensation and lost wages compensation paid if the injured employee misses more than three days of work.  Wage compensation is paid at a lower rate than the employees standard weekly wage- generally two-thirds of the weekly wage up to the maximum rate for the year of injury.  Compensation for a permanent disability is paid after the employee returns to work or the healing period ends.  Each state administers the worker’s compensation process and additional information is available through the Department of Workplace Development webpage or local office.  Completion of an injury report form and notification of the accident or illness to a supervisor is the first step for beginning the worker’s compensation process.