Georgia Workers’ Compensation Policy Coverage for Landscaping and Tree Removal Companies

Companies involved in landscaping or tree removal typically need Workers’ Compensation in Georgia. Getting this coverage will protect your company from financial liability if a worker is hurt on the job.

Landscaping companies with more than two employees in Georgia must get Workers’ Compensation insurance. Tree removal companies can present elevated risks to insurers for several reasons, like payroll, hazards, and previous claims. Landscaping and tree removal companies that fail to get Workers’ Compensation coverage might face civil penalties of fines per violation. These businesses might also be liable for damages incurred by employees hurt while working for a tree removal or landscaping company. If your previous carrier dropped your policy, you will need to find new coverage as soon as possible to remain in compliance with Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation laws.

Speak with our Georgia Workers’ Compensation insurance brokers today by calling NPN Brokers at (561) 990-3022.

Workers’ Compensation Policy Requirements for Georgia Landscaping and Tree Removal Companies

Most landscaping and tree removal companies in Georgia need a Workers’ Compensation policy. Coverage requirements in Georgia for all companies are based on payroll.

All companies that employ three or more workers in Georgia have to maintain Workers’ Compensation coverage. This is true regardless of industry. Because of this, most landscaping and tree removal companies will be required to get coverage. Our Workers’ Compensation insurance brokers can find a policy that meets the needs of your tree removal and landscaping company so that you do not face penalties for non-compliance.

If you own a very small landscaping company or work alone, you will not need to get Workers’ Compensation coverage in Georgia. However, electing to get coverage even when not required is preferable, as tree removal companies that do not have insurance might be vulnerable to employee claims arising from workplace accidents.

Workers’ Compensation policies must cover all necessary employees of landscaping and tree removal companies. Georgia considers all full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers when determining coverage requirements based on payroll. If you hire 1099 employees to do contracted work for your landscaping or tree removal company, you will not have to get Workers’ Compensation coverage for those employees in Georgia.

Workers’ Comp Risks Associated with Coverage for Landscaping and Tree Removal Companies in Georgia

There are certain risks associated with landscaping and tree removal work in Georgia. These risks demonstrate the importance of getting Workers’ Compensation for your company, regardless of coverage requirements in Georgia.

Payroll

Larger payrolls can increase the risk of workplace accidents, especially in dangerous industries like landscaping and tree removal. With more workers, there may be a greater opportunity of work-related injuries occurring. Smaller payrolls can also impact the likelihood of workplace accidents, as fewer workers may be available for employers to delegate tasks to.

Hazards

There are occupational hazards of being in the landscaping and tree removal business in Georgia. Summers in Georgia are incredibly hot, which might cause fatigue or dehydration and result in operational issues that cause injuries to workers. The equipment used in landscaping and tree removal can also present hazards to workers in Georgia, leading to workplace accidents.

Previous Claims

Previous claims typically indicate risk to Workers’ Compensation carriers in Georgia. Injuries sustained during tree removal might be severe, especially because of the dangerous machinery used in that line of work. This might mean that there are more filed claims among landscaping companies, leading to more expensive premiums. However, affordable Workers’ Compensation insurance is possible to find, even for high-risk landscaping and tree removal companies.

Consequences for Landscaping and Tree Removal Companies without Workers’ Compensation Policies in Georgia

Because most landscaping and tree removal companies in Georgia must get a Workers’ Compensation policy, failure to do so might result in severe consequences from the Board of Workers’ Compensation. These include civil penalties as well as criminal penalties.

Fines

There are fines associated with non-compliance with Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation requirements. Landscaping and tree removal businesses that fail to get a policy might incur a fine of up to $5,000 per violation, according to O.C.G.A. § 34-9-18(c). The Board of Workers’ Compensation might levy multiple fines against a landscaping company each time it learns of non-compliance.

Criminal Penalties

Landscaping and tree removal companies that willfully and knowingly go without Workers’ Compensation insurance in Georgia might face additional consequences. These acts can result in employers facing up to 12 months in jail.

Liability

The Workers’ Compensation insurance system exists to protect both employers and employees. Employees can file a claim and get benefits after a workplace accident, and employers are immune from civil litigation. Unfortunately, if you fail to get Workers’ Compensation for your landscaping or tree removal company and a worker is injured on the job, there is nothing stopping that employee from seeking compensation against your business. Instead of your Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier covering the cost of the employee’s injuries and lost wages, your landscaping or tree removal company might have to. This can become unnecessarily expensive for companies in Georgia and can be avoided by simply adhering to the state’s Workers’ Compensation requirements and getting coverage.

Maintaining Workers’ Compensation Policies for Georgia Landscaping and Tree Removal Companies

It is not uncommon for some Workers’ Compensation carriers to drop coverage, especially if certain risk factors increase. When this happens, you must find another policy as soon as possible.

If your Workers’ Compensation carrier drops your policy, it may benefit you to inform the Board of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia. During the time you are uncovered, you may have to stop operations to adhere to the state’s coverage requirements. Employers of landscaping and tree removal workers must always maintain coverage if they have three or more employees.

By contacting our brokers and providing your information, you can get a new policy quote within a matter of days. This can allow you to obtain the insurance you need to avoid possible consequences for non-compliance, even if your previous carrier dropped your policy.

Get Coverage for Your Landscaping and Tree Removal Company in Georgia

Learn how our Workers’ Compensation insurance brokers can help you by calling NPN Brokers at (561) 990-3022 today.