What Law Establishes Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?

You probably know about workers’ compensation. It is very much a part of employment and working in Pennsylvania. You may understand your rights and know what benefits you could get if you suffer an injury while at work. However, do you know how this system developed within the state and why it is the way it is today? If not, you should take some time to learn about the history of workers’ compensation in the state.

According to the Department of Labor & Industry, the concept of workers’ compensation started in 1915. At this time, the state created the Pennsylvania Workmen’s Compensation Act. This is the law that the current system still abides by and operates under.

This act put the Department of Labor & Industry and the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation in charge of the system. These entities help to manage claims and deal with appeals and other administrivia duties within the system.

Over time additions were made to the act to allow for more coverage for additional injuries, such as repetitive stress injuries. It also creates the general guidelines for benefits.

Most employers have a requirement under the act to provide workers’ compensation to employees. Having this insurance enables a company to protect itself from lawsuits by injured workers. It also helps you to get paid when you do suffer an injury while on the job.

The act ensures that you have coverage under this system from the very first day of your job. Once you begin work, you can claim benefits for any job-related injury even if you have not been an employee of the company for very long. This information is for education and is not legal advice.