Which benefit helps compensate for lost wages due to an on-the-job injury?

Worker's compensation is a system designed to provide financial benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses that occur in the course of their employment. This type of compensation is essential as it specifically addresses the issue of lost wages due to job-related injuries. When employees are injured at work, they may be unable to perform their job duties for a certain period. Worker’s compensation not only covers medical expenses related to the injury but also provides a portion of the regular wages that employees would have earned if they had been able to continue working.

The importance of worker's compensation extends beyond mere wage replacement; it offers a structured system for both the employers and the injured employees to navigate the aftermath of workplace injuries. It also helps create a safer work environment by emphasizing the need for prevention practices and safety protocols in the workplace.

In comparison, while other benefits mentioned, such as sick leave and health insurance, can provide support, they do not specifically address the loss of wages due to occupational injuries in the structured way that worker's compensation does. Sick leave allows employees to take time off without working, but it can be limited or unpaid, depending on the employer's policy, whereas health insurance focuses on medical costs rather than lost income. OSHA compliance relates to workplace safety regulations but does not