Required workers comp posters and notices

Workers comp posters come from the state

There is no federal workers' comp poster for private employers. Each state decides what you must post. Most states require a notice that tells employees you have coverage, who your insurer is, and how to report an injury. The U.S. Department of Labor says to contact your state for state posters.

What a notice usually includes

State notices often list:

• Your insurer's name and policy information, or your self-insured status.
• How and when to report a work injury.
• Where to get medical care, and any rules about choosing a doctor.
• How to reach the state workers' comp agency for help.

Where to post

Post the notice where employees can easily see it, such as a break room or near the time clock. If you have more than one location, post one at each. If your workers are remote, ask your state agency whether an electronic copy is allowed. Many states also require notices in Spanish or other languages your workers speak.

Notices you hand out

Some states require you to give notices to new hires or to injured workers. For example, California requires you to give an injured worker a DWC-1 claim form within one working day after you learn of the injury. Texas employers without coverage must post a notice in English and Spanish and give written notice to new employees.

Federal posters you may also need

Federal laws require other posters, such as the OSHA Job Safety and Health poster and notices about minimum wage and family leave. The Department of Labor's FirstStep Poster Advisor tells you which federal posters apply to your business.

Keep them current

Update your notice when you change insurers, when your policy renews, and when the state updates its form. Your insurer can often send you a filled-in notice. Be careful with companies that sell poster packages by mail. Official state posters are usually free.