On the face of the matter, a draftsman may not have a very dangerous job to the casual observer. This attitude is usually what gets business owners into trouble though when it comes to choosing workers' compensation for their employees. They may opt for the lowest possible limits available when they should really be considering the many things that may go wrong when it comes to the position of a draftsman. While it's true that they're not engaging in dangerous work, there are still many ways in which you could be on the wrong end of a liability claim. Consider the following before you choose office employee draftsman workers compensation insurance.
General Office Woes
Those in an office are required to use their general common sense when it comes to avoiding injuries when they're on the job. For example, the aisles should stay clear, the coffee pot and microwave should be operated correctly, and all office equipment should be properly maintained and serviced. These are things you don't even need to state because they're universally known to all. But even considering all the normal precautions that are generally taken, they can't prevent all of the incidents that can occur in a draftsman's office. It's also important that an owner considers just what it means to be in their position when it comes to their personal liability. If an employee trips over their own two feet on the way up to the office front door, you could very well be charged with endangerment. In this case, you would need to pay for the patient's medical bills. If there was a sustained or serious injury, you may even be forced to pay for ongoing medical treatment, including lost wages for when the employee is out of work. Each case is different and based on the circumstances, but it's normal for employers to bear the brunt of responsibility regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Draftsman Problems
While it's clear that anything can (and will) happen when it comes to the odd major incidents in an office, there's a much more inherent risk when it comes to draftsmen. They're often working hunched over a table for many hours, which can have an effect on their body over time. Back, neck, shoulder, and wrist injuries are incredibly common, and the severity of the expenses generally causes owners to wish they'd paid more attention to their office employee draftsman workers compensation insurance. Talking to your employees about potential accidents can be a great way to ward off their occurrence, and it's not difficult to do either. All you have to do as an employer is put a bigger emphasis on how employees are conducting themselves when they're at work. Put up posters that encourage them to take breaks and to treat their bodies well if they're starting to get any aches and pains. Chronic injuries typically have several warning signs before they become serious medical problems. Everyone gets a lower back ache every once in a while, but that doesn't mean that it can be ignored completely. This is especially true if the person is a draftsman, and has many more days of sitting over their drawings and trying to make them perfect. Give short seminars on strengthening exercises that people can do so that they're less likely to be in a position. Let them know that they can take walks when they're starting to get too tense, so they can return feeling refreshed and ready to work. Finally, consider your office employee draftsman workers compensation insurance coverage for additional peace of mind. For more details on how to secure the right policy for this profession, visit our guide on Understanding Workers' Compensation for Draftsmen. You may also want to review the related Importance of Professional Liability Insurance for Drafters to complement your coverage strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is class code 8810 for workers’ compensation?

Class code 8810 typically refers to clerical office employees, including draftsmen who primarily perform desk-based tasks with minimal physical risk.

Does workers’ comp cover repetitive stress injuries for draftsmen?

Yes, workers’ compensation can cover repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel or back strain if they are job-related and properly documented.

Is workers’ compensation mandatory for small drafting firms?

Requirements vary by state, but many jurisdictions require coverage even for businesses with just one or two employees.

How can I reduce claims in a drafting office?

Implement ergonomic workstations, promote regular breaks, and offer training on posture and injury prevention to reduce long-term health claims.

Can a drafting contractor be covered under workers’ comp?

Independent contractors are not usually covered under standard workers’ comp policies, but employers should confirm classification and legal requirements in their state.

Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.