may have a lack of knowledge when it comes to employee labor laws, so it is useful for the worker, as well as the salon owner, to know their tax responsibilities. The independent contractor has quite a few freedoms but must be diligent in paying their own self-employment taxes, income tax, medical insurance, and so on. The IRS provides information for both the owner and worker of a salon on how to classify a worker. This information is easy to understand, unlike the complicated tax forms. Go to IRS at https://www.irs.gov/ Individuals/Self-Employed. After the report is filed with the insurance company, most will have an insurance adjuster call the injured worker within 24 hours to explain the worker’s rights and obligations. If a message is left on voicemail, they will expect the injured worker to call as soon as possible so the injured worker knows where to go for medical treatment. Within three to five business days after the employer or the injured worker has reported the accident, an informational brochure is sent to the injured worker and a notification letter explaining the services provided by the Employee Assistance Office of the Division of Workers’ Compensation. Some forms may be sent as well. These forms may include the following: ● Copy of the accident report or first report of injury or illness. ● A fraud statement which must be read, signed, and returned so benefits are not withheld. ● Release of medical records for the injured worker to sign and return. ● Medical mileage reimbursement forms to complete after seeking medical treatment and send to the claims adjuster for reimbursement. Once the injured worker has seen the medical doctor authorized to treat them, they will need to give the doctor’s note to the employer to inform them of the worker’s status. At this time, the authorized doctor will be able to inform the worker if they can return to work, and if so, if they have a full release to return to original job responsibilities. If the release is limited, the employer will either find a job the injured worker is capable of performing or release the employee if they do not have another position available. It is important that the injured worker contact the insurance company to let them know what the doctor said about the injury or illness and inform them of their work status. If the injured worker is unable to work for more than seven days, they should receive money to partly replace what they were not able to earn after the accident. There are several types of disability benefits related to the status of the injured worker. The next section will discuss this further. The following graphic illustrates the claim process from the point of injury through acceptance or denial. The complete process will appear later in this chapter.
It is critical to understand the classification of salon workers because much is based on this categorization. If an individual is an employee, they need to ensure their employer is paying their employment tax, as well as WC for the individual. At this time, this individual (employee) has little freedom to run their business as they wish but also has less of a financial burden. If the individual is a booth renter in a salon, they are self-employed and categorized as an independent contractor. The salon owner has very limited control over the worker, but does not have to pay employment tax, insurance, and WC. Many salon owners The process of a WC claim in Florida Understanding the process of how a claim is filed and what the injured worker’s, employer’s, medical doctor’s, and insurance company’s responsibilities are empowers all stakeholders. The injured worker has certain duties to complete after an injury or occupational illness occurs. The first duty is to tell the employer as soon as possible about the injury. The law requires the worker to report the accident or knowledge of a job-related injury within 30 days of their own knowledge of the accident or injury.
EMPLOYER Report injury to employer ASAP or within 30 days of injury/accident.
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The injured worker must ask the employer what doctor they can see. The doctor must be authorized by the employer or the insurance company. If the employer is not available and the injury is an emergency, the worker must be transported to the nearest emergency room and must inform their employer as soon as possible. The employer is required by law to report the injury to the insurance company within seven days of when the accident was reported to them . They may tell the injured worker to call the insurance company handling the claim. If the employer does not give a phone number to the insurance company and does not report the injury to the insurance company, the worker needs to call the WC hotline for assistance at (800) 342-1741.
INSURANCE COMPANY Employer required to report to insurance company within 7 days of knowledge.
EMPLOYER Report injury to employer ASAP or within 30 days of injury/accident.
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EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
Book Code: CFL1025
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