In the United States, there are 40 states where employees in the agricultural industry are covered, in varying degrees, under the workers compensation laws. 27 of these states indicate that agricultural workers are different from the employees in other industries, and therefore, the regulations governing those workers is significantly different in comparison to other businesses. The specific details vary greatly from state to state as to who must carry coverage and who does not. 13 of the 40 states consider agricultural workers the same as any other employee in their state.
There are twelve states that do not require agricultural employers to carry workers compensation insurance for their employees. Although those states do recommend it coverage, it is not legally mandated and therefore, coverage is voluntary, or considered, elective. Those states consist of:Â
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
