Workers' Compensation Requirements for Missouri Contractors
Roofing is one of the most physically demanding trades in construction. Crews work on steep pitches, carry heavy bundles of shingles up ladders, and handle tools and materials at height, often in Missouri’s summer heat.
When a worker is injured on a job, workers’ compensation insurance determines how their medical care and lost wages are covered. For Lake Ozark and Lake of the Ozarks homeowners, understanding Missouri’s workers’ compensation rules is an important part of hiring a roofing contractor with confidence.
How Missouri’s Workers’ Compensation System Works
Missouri’s workers’ compensation law, found in Chapter 287 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill because of their work. Benefits can include medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and compensation for lasting disabilities. In exchange, the system generally limits an injured employee’s ability to sue their employer.
The program is overseen by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations through its Division of Workers’ Compensation. Employers can meet their obligations by buying a workers’ compensation insurance policy or, in some cases, by being approved to self-insure. The full text of Missouri’s workers’ compensation law, Chapter 287, sets out employer responsibilities, employee rights, and how claims are handled.
Why Construction Employers Face a Stricter Rule
Missouri treats the construction industry differently from most other industries. Many Missouri businesses must carry workers’ compensation once they have five or more employees. Construction industry employers, however, must carry coverage if they have even one employee.
This stricter rule reflects the higher risk of injury in construction work. For roofing contractors, it means nearly any company with a crew is required to have coverage in place. The requirement appears in Section 287.030 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which defines who counts as an employer under the law.
Some business owners may be treated differently depending on how their company is structured, so a contractor who works entirely alone may not have the same obligations as one with employees. That’s one reason homeowners should ask about coverage directly rather than assume.
Subcontractors and the Statutory Employer Rule
Roofing projects often involve subcontractors, such as separate crews for tear-off, installation, or gutters. Missouri’s law includes a statutory employer provision that can make a contractor responsible for the injuries of a subcontractor’s employees in certain situations, particularly when the subcontractor lacks its own coverage.
This rule encourages general contractors to confirm that their subcontractors carry workers’ compensation before work begins. Section 287.040 of the Missouri Revised Statutes sets out how this responsibility works. For homeowners, the practical takeaway is simple: when a contractor uses subcontractors, it’s worth asking how the contractor verifies their coverage.
Why Coverage Matters to Homeowners
Workers’ compensation primarily protects workers, but it also matters to the people who hire contractors. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, they may look for other ways to cover their medical bills and lost income.
That can lead to disputes, delays, or claims that complicate your project and potentially involve your own insurance. Roofing carries real risk. Falls are a leading cause of serious injury in construction, which is why federal safety rules place a strong emphasis on fall protection for roofing work.
OSHA’s Protecting Roofing Workers guide outlines fall hazards and the protections roofing employers are expected to use. A contractor that takes safety seriously and carries proper coverage protects its crew and its customers.
Missouri also does not have a statewide roofing license, so licensing requirements vary by city and county. Because there’s no single state license to check, asking about insurance coverage is one of the most useful steps a homeowner can take before hiring a roofer.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
These questions help Lake of the Ozarks homeowners confirm a contractor is properly covered:
- Does your company carry workers’ compensation insurance for your crew?
- Can you provide a current certificate of insurance before work begins?
- Do you use subcontractors, and how do you confirm they carry their own coverage?
- Do you also carry general liability insurance for property damage?
- Do you hold any license or permit required by the city or county where my home is located?
A certificate of insurance should list the insurance company, policy dates, and coverage types. If you have questions about a certificate, you can contact the insurance company listed to confirm the policy is active.
Protecting Your Home and Your Project
Select Exteriors & Roofing in Lake Ozark, MO knows that understanding workers' compensation helps you choose a contractor who is prepared for the realities of roofing work.
With more than 25 years of experience, we serve homeowners and businesses in Lake Ozark, Columbia, Jefferson City, Camdenton, Sunrise Beach, and surrounding Central Missouri communities. Our team provides roof repair, roof replacement, and gutter services for homes around the lake. Request a free estimate or call (573) 303-5000 to get started.
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