If an accident happens... What every independent contractor needs to know about 'Special Workers' Compensation'

[To you, the independent contractor] If you are not enrolled in the special coverage, you will not receive any workers' compensation.

To all independent contractors working on construction sites.
If you get injured on the job, who will cover your medical expenses and lost wages?

The answer is, "No one will."



◆ Regular workers' compensation does not apply to independent contractors

Workers' compensation insurance is fundamentally an insurance system for "workers" (people employed by others).
In other words, independent contractors and freelance craftsmen who are not employed by a general contractor or company are, in principle, excluded from this insurance.

No matter how dangerous the site you work on is, even if you get injured or are involved in a life-threatening accident,
you will not receive workers' compensation.



◆ There is a relief measure called "Special Enrollment"

The "Special Enrollment System for Workers' Compensation Insurance" is available for such independent contractors.
Its formal name is the "Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance Special Enrollment System," and it is a system that allows people who are not workers to enroll of their own volition.

Once enrolled, you can receive the following compensation, just like a regular worker:

• Full coverage of medical expenses (no out-of-pocket costs)
• Lost wage compensation (guaranteeing income for periods when you cannot work)
• Disability and death compensation (even in cases of permanent disability or death)

Essentially, it is like "taking out workers' compensation insurance for yourself."



◆ Risks of not being enrolled in special workers' compensation
1. Full out-of-pocket payment for outpatient and hospitalization costs
2. Zero income while unable to work
3. Generally no compensation from the general contractor (no obligation to compensate if there is no liability)
4. No compensation even if it wasn't your fault (workers' compensation is not paid even if you are the victim)

In short, an accident equals immediate, self-inflicted hell.



◆ "The general contractor has workers' compensation, so I'm fine"... That is a misunderstanding

Sometimes independent contractors think, "Because the general contractor has workers' compensation, I am covered too," but that is a complete misconception.

The general contractor's insurance is for their own employees, and you are outside that scope.
The only thing that protects you is your own enrollment in "Special Workers' Compensation."



◆ Enrollment is surprisingly easy

The following procedures are common for enrollment:

1. Apply through a labor insurance administrative association
2. Pay the annual insurance premium (several tens of thousands of yen or more, depending on the industry and daily benefit base amount)
3. An enrollment certificate is issued, and insurance coverage can be applied as early as the same day

If you leave the procedures to the administrative association, there is nothing difficult about it.
You can also enroll through "independent contractor associations" and the like.



◆ To survive as an independent contractor

Being unable to work due to injury.
Suddenly having zero income.
That is a reality that can happen to anyone.

However, for an insurance premium of just a few tens of thousands of yen, you could potentially receive millions or tens of millions of yen in compensation.
That is what special workers' compensation is.

"It won't happen to me"—that complacency might prevent you from protecting yourself and your family.



◆ In conclusion
Only those who are "prepared" will survive on the job site

Special workers' compensation is the final fortress for protecting the lives and livelihoods of independent contractors working on construction sites.

If you are not yet enrolled, please take this opportunity to look into the details of the "Special Enrollment System" and consider joining.
For your life and the future of your family.


For inquiries about special workers' compensation...

General contractor liability for workers' compensation accidents

What is the responsibility of the site representative?

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