Is There a Difference Between “Workman’s Comp” and “Workers’ Comp”?

When purchasing insurance for your business, you may have heard conflicting phrases, like “workman’s comp” and “workers’ comp.” So, is there a difference between these terms?

There isn’t much difference at all between “workman’s comp” and “workers’ comp.” In fact, “workers’ comp” is just “workman’s comp,” renamed. Protection for employers and employees in case of an injury was first called “workman’s comp” because the workforce was primarily comprised of men. Today, however, the workforce is much more diverse, so a new term was adopted to reflect that better: “workers’ comp.”

The workers’ compensation insurance brokers at NPN Brokers can help you find coverage fast. Our professionals can match your business with an affordable workers’ comp insurance plan, even if it’s in a high-risk industry. To learn more about the experienced workers’ compensation insurance brokers at NPN Brokers, visit us online or call today at (561) 990-3022.

What’s the Difference Between “Workman’s Comp” and “Workers’ Comp?”

There’s no difference between “workman’s comp” and “workers’ comp.” The former is just the first iteration of laws protecting workers and employers. However, the main definition of these two phrases is virtually the same.

Workers’ comp, previously known as “workman’s comp,” protects employers from legal action in case of an employee injury. Today, businesses carry workers’ comp insurance coverage to cover damages if an employee is injured at work. When such an idea was first formulated, it was titled “workman’s comp.”

However, the core sentiment is the same today as in the past. Although it has a different name, workers’ comp continues to protect employers from egregious medical bills and other financial damages in case of an employee injury.

When purchasing insurance for your business, it’s important to work with professionals who know the current vocabulary, like the workers’ compensation insurance brokers at NPN Brokers. Staying up to date on new phrasing is essential and shows that your broker is informed.

Perhaps the main difference between “workman’s comp” and “workers’ comp” is prevalence. When the notion of insurance coverage for businesses was new, not all companies were required to carry it. Today, many states have laws that regulate which businesses must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Now, it is very common for employers to have means of protection in case of an employee injury.

When Did “Workman’s Comp” Begin?

A hundred years ago, the workers’ compensation insurance your business carried would have been called “workman’s comp.” Today, the correct term is “workers’ comp,” although that wasn’t always the case.

When workers’ compensation laws began to go into effect, the workforce was primarily comprised of men. At least, the types of jobs workers’ comp benefits are commonly applicable in were done by men. Although women still worked throughout the 20th century, it wasn’t as common for them to be in certain dangerous professions, like construction.

The term “workman’s comp” reflects that. In the early 1900s, several laws were proposed to protect employers from litigation in the case of an employee injury. It wasn’t until 1911 that a law of such nature was first passed. More states began to adopt similar laws throughout the rest of the century. These were known as “workman’s comp” laws at the time.

Before “workman’s comp” laws began to go into effect around the country, employers faced lawsuits when workers were injured. There was no other way for workers to seek damages and no protection for businesses. As “workman’s comp” laws were enacted, businesses became able to purchase insurance coverage to protect themselves from litigation in case of an employee injury. That is what we know today as workers’ compensation insurance.

When Did “Workman’s Comp” Become “Workers’ Comp?”

Today, the workforce is diverse. But it wasn’t always that way. In the past several decades, the term “workman’s comp” became outdated, and state and national laws were renamed to become more inclusive.

Now, what was once known as “workman’s comp” is referred to as “workers’ comp.” That’s because today, men and women are both large contributors to the workforce. Even high-risk industries, like construction, see female engineers and project managers taking part. Today, the professional world is comprised of all sorts of people, not just men.

So, when your business needs to find insurance and does with the help of professionals, like the workers’ compensation insurance brokers at NPN Brokers, it won’t be getting “workman’s comp” coverage. Now, your business will carry workers’ comp coverage in case of an employee injury.

Can You Call “Workers’ Comp” “Workman’s Comp” Today?

The phrase “workman’s comp” is not used much these days. Insurance companies and laws surrounding compensation benefits for workers and requirements for employers refer to it as “workers’ comp,” exclusively. That being said, you may hear the term “workman’s comp” from time to time.

Even today, some people may refer to workers’ compensation insurance as “workman’s comp.” Just know that they’re not referring to some additional insurance your business needs. Today, workers’ comp is what “workman’s comp” was in the past. There is no “workman’s comp” currently. It has been renamed to be more inclusive and reflective of the workforce.

When something’s name changes, it can be confusing. But, to put it plainly, you can’t carry “workman’s comp” to protect your business in case of employee injury. The type of insurance you need is workers’ compensation coverage

When referring to the insurance coverage your business needs, it’s best to call it by its proper name. Otherwise, your employees may get confused or feel unrecognized. Keep things inclusive by only using the term “workers’ comp.” After all, it’s correct.

Call Our Brokers for Workers’ Comp Coverage Today

When you need affordable workers’ comp insurance quickly, our brokers can help. Call the workers’ compensation insurance brokers at NPN Brokers (561) 990-3022 or visit us online to get coverage today.