Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What is the primary purpose of workers' compensation?

1. To penalize employers for unsafe work conditions

2. To provide income and medical benefits to insured workers

3. To support workers in finding new jobs

4. To increase penalties on uninsured employers

The correct answer is: To provide income and medical benefits to insured workers

The primary purpose of workers' compensation is to provide income and medical benefits to insured workers who experience work-related injuries or illnesses. This system serves as a form of insurance that helps employees cover their medical expenses and receive wage replacement while they are unable to work due to their condition. Workers' compensation is designed to ensure that affected employees receive necessary financial support without having to prove fault or negligence on the part of the employer. It creates a safety net for workers, helping them recover and return to work as promptly as possible, thus promoting overall workplace safety and employee well-being. The other choices, while related to workplace safety and employee support, do not encapsulate the primary objective of the workers' compensation system. For instance, penalizing employers or increasing penalties on uninsured employers addresses accountability but does not directly benefit injured workers. Supporting workers in finding new jobs relates to rehabilitation efforts but is not the main focus of the workers' compensation framework, which is primarily about providing financial assistance and healthcare for work-related injuries or illnesses.