What Georgia Churches Need to Know About Workers' Compensation

At Church Insurance Man, we know that ministry is more than a calling. It is also an organization with staff, responsibilities, and legal requirements. One of the most important areas of compliance for Georgia churches is workers’ compensation. While workers’ compensation may not be at the forefront of your church’s planning, understanding how workers’ compensation works and what it means for your staff is essential for protecting your ministry.

Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

In Georgia, state law requires employers with three or more employees to carry workers’ compensation coverage. This rule applies to churches just like it does to businesses and nonprofits. If your ministry employs administrative staff, custodians, or ministry workers, you likely fall under this requirement.

Workers’ compensation provides important protection for both employers and employees. For staff members, it ensures they can receive medical treatment, wage replacement, and other support if they are injured while performing their duties. For churches, it prevents costly lawsuits by providing a structured way to handle workplace injuries.

Even if your church has fewer than three employees, it is still wise to consider workers’ compensation and related insurance options. Smaller ministries often rely heavily on staff and volunteers, and one injury can have a major impact.

What Workers’ Compensation Covers

Workers’ compensation is designed to help injured employees recover while reducing the financial strain on the employer. Here is what Georgia workers’ compensation typically provides.

Medical Costs and Lost Wages

When an employee is injured on the job, workers’ compensation pays for necessary medical expenses. This includes hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment. In addition, employees may receive wage replacement while they are unable to work, generally calculated as a portion of their average weekly wage. This ensures that ministry staff can continue to support their families during recovery.

Rehabilitation Services

Some injuries require rehabilitation before an employee can return to work. Workers’ compensation can cover physical therapy, vocational training, and other support services that help the staff member regain their health and job skills. For churches, this means the individual has the resources needed to return to ministry work instead of facing long-term unemployment.

Death Benefits for Dependents

In tragic situations where a workplace injury results in death, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the employee’s dependents. This financial assistance helps grieving families cover funeral costs and adjust to the loss of income. Workers’ compensation provides churches with reassurance that, in the event of a tragedy, an employee’s dependents will receive the support they need.

Common Workplace Injuries in Churches

While many people think of churches as low-risk environments, workplace injuries are more common than you might expect.

Slips and falls are one of the leading causes of injury. These can happen while setting up for events, moving furniture, or even cleaning after a service. Wet floors, extension cords, and poorly lit areas can all create hazards.

Injuries from lifting heavy equipment are another frequent issue. Moving tables, sound equipment, or boxes of supplies can easily lead to strains or back injuries. Even office hazards, such as repetitive stress from typing or trips over clutter, can create claims.

Recognizing these risks is the first step toward preventing them.

Insurance Coverage for Volunteers and Employees

One of the most common questions we hear from churches is whether volunteers are covered under workers’ compensation. In Georgia, volunteers are not automatically included. Workers’ compensation applies to employees, meaning those who receive wages or salaries from the church.

However, volunteers are an essential part of nearly every ministry. As workers’ compensation does not extend to volunteers, many churches take additional steps by securing volunteer accident insurance and requiring waivers. These steps help ensure that if a volunteer is injured while serving, the church can still provide some form of support without assuming the entire financial burden.

Risk Management to Reduce Claims

Preventing injuries is always preferable to dealing with the aftermath. Churches can take proactive steps to create a safer environment and reduce the likelihood of claims.

Safety training is an excellent starting point. Staff and volunteers should be taught how to identify hazards, lift objects properly, and handle equipment safely. Simple awareness goes a long way toward reducing accidents.

Churches should also keep accurate records of staff roles and hours worked. This documentation is vital if a claim is filed and helps to clarify who is covered. Regular inspections of the property can further reduce risks by identifying and fixing hazards before they cause harm.

How Church Insurance Man Helps Churches Comply

Navigating insurance requirements can be challenging for any church, from smaller ministries without dedicated staff to larger congregations with more complex needs. That is where Church Insurance Man comes in.

We help churches evaluate whether they are legally required to carry workers’ compensation. Even if you have fewer than three employees, we can advise you on whether coverage or alternative protection makes sense for your ministry.

We also assist in selecting policies that meet Georgia’s legal requirements and fit within your church’s budget. Because we specialize in serving churches, we understand the unique needs of ministries and the risks you face. Our team provides guidance not just at the point of purchase, but throughout the life of the policy, ensuring your church stays protected.

Ensure Protection for Your Church and Staff

Failing to carry workers’ compensation when required can lead to significant fines and legal challenges. More importantly, it can leave your staff unprotected in the event of an injury. For a ministry, this can create financial strain, reputational damage, and a loss of trust with your congregation.

Your church staff is essential to the work of the ministry. Protecting them is both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility. At Church Insurance Man, we are here to help you navigate workers’ compensation and ensure your church remains compliant and secure.

If you are unsure whether your church needs workers’ compensation or would like a review of your current coverage, reach out to us today on the website or call 470-375-8274. Together, we can build a plan that safeguards your ministry and provides peace of mind for your staff.