Grumpy, there are a number of things that you can do to be WC exempt, look into it. They changed the rules again in Jan.
I have to play ball and while the paperwork sucks, I really don't end up paying anything, the customer does.
I own Teetor&Teetor, Inc., smalljobs, LTD., and Advanced Marine Systems.
Last year WC cost me $30,000.00 plus all of the liabilty ins. I carry 1M on the first 2 businesses and 3M on the marine. I write a lot of big checks. I also charge accordingly.
I hope that JD was just fooling around, insurance is what keeps you from being homeless if you or one of your subs happen to make a serious mistake.
To bryon e, WC is insurance, similar to unemployment, everybody pays into it at a predetermined rate. WC tries to determine a balance of ingress and egress plus administrative costs. Unfortunately there are a number of people out there that 'work the system' and rob the working man of a portion of his due. Along the way you have doctors, unions and lawyers milking the system.
Hire some people from Labor Finders and listen to their stories, you'll find out where YOUR money goes.
On the question of subs; I am one and hire them. I have always carried my own ins. and wouldn't hire any one who didn't. To me it shows a total lack of responsibility, somebody skirting it. Not the type of people that I want to be associated with. If they were good they can afford ins., if they are that greedy, I have no use for either as I would always be watching my back.