In South Carolina, businesses with four or more employees, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers, are generally required to provide coverage for work-related injuries and illnesses. This system protects employees by offering medical care, wage replacement, and disability benefits if they are harmed on the job. For example, if an employee suffers a back injury while lifting heavy objects at work, this system would cover necessary medical treatment and a portion of lost wages during recovery.
Providing this coverage is not only legally mandated in most cases but also offers significant benefits. It safeguards employees from financial hardship following workplace accidents, ensuring they receive necessary medical attention and partial income replacement. This, in turn, can contribute to a more positive and productive work environment. Historically, such systems emerged to address the increasing frequency of workplace accidents during industrialization, shifting the burden of care from the injured worker to a shared responsibility between employers and the state.
