"Workers' comp," short for workers' compensation, refers to a type of insurance coverage designed to provide financial benefits and medical care to employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses. This insurance is intended to protect both employees and employers by offering a system that provides medical treatment, rehabilitation, and wage replacement to injured or ill workers, while also limiting the employer's liability for legal claims related to workplace injuries.

Key features of workers' compensation include:

1. Medical Treatment: Workers' compensation covers the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and other medical expenses that result from work-related injuries or illnesses.

2. Lost Wages: If an employee is unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness, workers' compensation provides wage replacement benefits. These benefits typically cover a portion of the employee's lost wages during their recovery period.

3. Temporary Disability Benefits: Workers' compensation offers temporary disability benefits for employees who are temporarily unable to work due to a work-related injury. These benefits provide financial support until the employee is able to return to work.

4. Permanent Disability Benefits: For employees who sustain permanent impairments or disabilities due to a work-related injury or illness, workers' compensation provides permanent disability benefits to compensate for the lasting impact on their ability to earn a living.

5. Vocational Rehabilitation: In some cases, workers' compensation may include vocational rehabilitation services to help injured employees regain skills, training, and employment opportunities after recovering from an injury.

6. Legal Protections: Employees who receive workers' compensation benefits generally waive their right to sue their employer for the injuries or illnesses suffered on the job. This legal protection benefits both employees and employers.

7. No-Fault System: Workers' compensation operates on a "no-fault" basis, meaning that employees are entitled to benefits regardless of who is responsible for the injury or illness. This helps streamline the claims process and provides prompt support to employees.

8. Coverage for Occupational Diseases: In addition to covering injuries resulting from accidents, workers' compensation may also provide coverage for occupational diseases or illnesses that develop over time due to workplace conditions or exposures.

Workers' compensation is a crucial component of ensuring the well-being of employees and protecting employers from potential legal claims related to workplace injuries. The specifics of workers' compensation regulations, benefits, and requirements vary by jurisdiction, so employers should be aware of the rules and regulations that apply in their region.