Workers' Compensation - Average Weekly Wage - Multiple Employers
The bill, if enacted, will establish a more equitable approach to calculating average weekly wages for those who hold multiple jobs. This change means that workers who suffer injuries while concurrently employed will not be disadvantaged by the current system, which may only consider a single employer's wages. The aim is to enhance the financial security of workers, ensuring that those who may rely on various jobs get a compensation package that better reflects their actual earnings, thus potentially alleviating financial stress during recovery from injuries or illnesses.
House Bill 1486 aims to amend the existing workers' compensation laws in Maryland by changing how the average weekly wage (AWW) is calculated for employees who are concurrently employed by multiple employers at the time of a work-related injury or disease. Specifically, it requires that the average weekly wages from all employments of a covered employee be combined for the purpose of determining their AWW when the employee is unable to work due to an accidental personal injury or occupational disease. This provision seeks to ensure that workers who have multiple sources of income receive fair compensation reflecting their total earnings when injured on the job.
Notably, there may be concerns regarding the implications of enforcing this combined wage determination. Employers, especially those who may not carry the financial burden of multiple employment claims, could argue against the increased costs associated with these provisions. The bill includes stipulations that the Subsequent Injury Fund will reimburse employers for certain compensations paid to employees, which may alleviate some worries for employers. However, the balance between fair compensation for employees and manageable costs for employers is likely to be a point of contention among stakeholders during further discussions.