Sales reps rank among the professionals who have the highest annual mileage in comparison to other professionals. As a result, their likelihood of getting into an accident is also high. Workers’ compensation insurance is essential to provide adequate coverage in such instances.
Having adequate workers’ compensation coverage in place is vital for all businesses and even more so for those who employ individuals exposed to various risks in their line of work. This is the insurance product that delivers coverage in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses. Having enough insurance protects both the employer and their employee, which is why the importance of choosing the right policy should never be underestimated.
Common Risk Scenarios for Sales Representatives
Most of the risks discussed in this guide pertain to external sales reps – the people who conduct sales out in the field. External sales reps usually travel a lot and they meet numerous potential clients to present products, increase brand awareness, and finalize as many sales as possible.
In their line of work, external sales representatives face several risk scenarios:
· Travel-related accidents: An outside sales representative has travel as a core job requirement. The time spent on the road increases the risk of getting involved in a crash or another traffic-related accident. A third of all collisions involve someone who is driving for work. The annual risk of dying in a road collision while driving for work is higher than the risk of dying because of any other workplace accident. This is a serious risk that both employers and their sales rep employees need to account for.
· Illnesses contracted while traveling: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated just how vulnerable sales teams are. Many sales departments sustained significant financial losses over the course of the pandemic and many people lost their jobs because of the associated risks. Sales representatives interact with numerous potential clients daily. They are exposed to all kinds of pathogens, which makes them more prone to getting sick than their colleagues who sit in an office all day.
· Injuries occurring during visits or shows: Some of the most common types of injuries that sales representatives sustain because of their job include bone fractures, bruises and contusions, head injuries, and back injuries. The job will often involve lifting heavy items and using them in product demonstrations. Slips, falls, sprains, and excessive strain can all result from the activities involved in organizing an effective home visit or a product demo show.
Getting Enough Workers’ Compensation Coverage: A Win-Win Scenario for Everyone
Having enough workers’ compensation coverage gives both sales representatives and their employers peace of mind.
Workers’ compensation insurance is the safety net that every organization needs to have in place.
For a start, it covers the cost of treatment whenever a sales representative gets injured or sick while doing their job. Since the entire treatment is dealt with financially, sales reps can recover faster and get back to work within the shortest period of time.
Compensation for lost wages is another important aspect of workers’ compensation coverage that benefits someone who needs to undergo treatment and cannot work while this is happening.
From an employer’s perspective, getting enough coverage is important because it offers protection against legal disputes and also builds the reputation of the brand. A company that is focused on the well-being of its workers usually enjoys hire loyalty and employee retention rates.
When looking for this type of insurance, it’s imperative to understand the coverage specifics. The policy should compensate workers for all medical costs (including rehabilitation and ongoing care costs). Having disability benefits under the policy is also a good idea because many injuries can lead to either temporary or permanent disabilities.
To choose the right kind of coverage, you should always go through the following steps:
· Get quotes from several insurance providers, reviewing the terms and conditions carefully
· Pay attention to additional essentials like how claims are being handled and how reliable customer service is
· Pay attention to state laws and regulations pertaining to workers’ compensation insurance
· Find out what employees are eligible for inclusion (there are independent contractor exceptions you need to account for when buying coverage)
· Finally, make sure that the premiums are properly aligned with the coverage you’ll be getting (determine the best price-to-quality ratio)
Best Practices for Employers
As an employer, you have the legal responsibility to maintain a certain amount of workers’ compensation coverage. If you really want to build a positive environment and you do care for your sales reps, however, you may want to get a policy that’s a bit more extensive.
To ensure employee satisfaction and maximize the efficiency of your sales teams, adopt at least some of the following best practices:
· Educate your sales representatives on workers’ compensation policies and why they are important
· Make sure that your workers know the coverage details and the types of risks they are protected against
· Provide ongoing training and safety seminars that decrease the risk of accidents and work-related injuries among your external sales representatives
· Make sure that all tools, equipment, and vehicles used by sales reps are in perfect operational condition
· Have an injury or illness protocol in place that all employees are familiar with and will follow upon need
Best Practices for Sales Representatives
Sales reps often work in high-pressure environments that increase the risk of chronic stress, fatigue, and injuries.
A few best practices that reduce the likelihood of getting ill or injured include the following:
· Planning trips extensively in advance (having a clear itinerary, a reliable vehicle, and a backup plan)
· Communicating with coworkers about business trips and presentations, informing them about whereabouts, delays, and problems on the road
· Following safety protocols and guidelines when meeting potential clients or organizing shows
· Managing stress levels through enough time to decompress, sleep, and have a balanced meal
Adherence to these best practices and getting enough workers’ compensation coverage will be important to increase job satisfaction among sales team members and reduce the risk of legal problems for the organization.
Every state mandates a certain amount of workers’ compensation coverage. As an employer, do get acquainted with these legal requirements. Educate yourself on additional types of coverage and determine whether these make sense for your company. Going above and beyond mandatory coverage shows workers you care for them and ultimately increases job satisfaction.
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