If you hire employees in Manchester, Nashua, or anywhere across the Granite State, New Hampshire workers compensation insurance is required by law. Covered under RSA 281-A, this no-fault system protects injured workers by offering medical and wage replacement benefits—and shields employers from lawsuits. With NH workers comp laws 2025 introducing new changes and lower rates, now is the time to ensure your business is compliant.
Who Needs Coverage Under New Hampshire Law?
Nearly every business with employees must carry NH workers comp insurance. No minimum employee thresholds exist—coverage is required whether you hire one worker or fifty.
Key Coverage Rules:
- Required: Full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers
- Voluntary: Sole proprietors and partners may choose to be covered
- Officer Exceptions: Certain corporate officers or LLC members may be excluded from coverage under specific circumstances as defined in RSA 281-A
- Independent Contractors: Only exempt if they control their work and have a federal EIN
In short, most employers in Concord, Portsmouth, or Keene must carry active coverage. Even nonprofits must comply.
What Does NH Workers Comp Insurance Cover?
NH workers comp insurance provides several key benefits when an employee is hurt or becomes ill because of work.
Core Benefits Include:
Medical Coverage: Pays for hospital visits, surgery, rehab, medications, and prosthetics
Disability Payments:
- Temporary Total Disability: Pays 60% of wages after three days off work
- Partial Disability: Pays part of the difference when returning to light-duty work
- Permanent Impairment: Pays scheduled benefits for long-term injuries
- Total Disability: Supports workers who can’t return to any job
Death Benefits:
- Pays funeral costs within limits
- Provides weekly income for spouses and minor children
New Hampshire workplace injury benefits are accessible across all industries. Employees can even choose their own medical provider—a right not granted in every state.
Want a simple breakdown of how workers’ comp works? Read our guide: Workers’ Comp Insurance Basics – What You Should Know.
Common Workplace Risks in New Hampshire
Claims vary by industry, but certain risks appear often under NH workers comp insurance:
Construction Workers Compensation New Hampshire:
- Falls from ladders and scaffolding
- Power tool injuries
Agriculture Workers Comp NH:
- Tractor rollovers and repetitive motion injuries
Manufacturing Workplace Insurance New Hampshire:
- Crush injuries from machines
- Chemical exposures
Healthcare Workers Compensation Requirements:
- Back injuries from lifting patients
- Needle stick injuries
Seasonal Hazards:
- Icy sidewalks causing slips during winter
- Ski resort staff injuries
- Chainsaw injuries in the timber industry
How Much Does New Hampshire Workers Comp Cost?
As of 2025, New Hampshire workers comp costs are at historic lows. The state’s voluntary loss cost rates are dropping another 5.6% in January 2025. That’s 13 years of reductions—totaling over 65%.
Average Premiums:
Rates vary based on:
- Industry type and class code
- Total payroll size
- Safety programs and training
- Experience modifier based on claims history
Examples:
- A small tech startup in Keene might pay under $1,000/year
- A construction firm in Manchester could pay significantly more because of higher injury risk
Employers can also choose deductible programs ranging from $500–$5,000 per claim. NH allows premium adjustments of up to ±25%, so negotiating with your carrier can result in significant savings.
Claims Process: What Employers Must Do
If a worker is injured, you must act quickly to comply with workers compensation requirements New Hampshire enforces.
Timeline Under NH Law:
- Employees should report the injury to their employer as soon as possible
- Employer must file a report within five days of learning about the injury
- If disability lasts three days or more, an additional report is due within seven days
- Insurer must accept or deny the claim within 21 days
- Appeals for a hearing with the Department of Labor must be filed within 18 months after receiving notice that the claim has been denied by the insurance carrier or self-insurer (RSA 281-A:42-d).
- However, if appealing a decision from a Department of Labor hearing officer to the Compensation Appeals Board, the deadline is 30 days from the date of that decision.
Failing to follow these steps can delay benefits—or bring legal trouble.
Penalties for Noncompliance
The penalties for skipping NH workers comp insurance are serious:
- $2,500 fine plus $100 per day for each uninsured employee
- $50/day for not filing proof-of-coverage
- $2,500 fine if you don’t submit the injury report
- Felony charges for willful violations
Employers with 15+ employees must also maintain a written safety program, reviewed every two years. Discouraging employees from reporting injuries can result in extra fines of up to $2,500.
What's New in NH Workers Comp Laws 2025?
NH workers comp laws 2025 bring new updates:
- Starting July 1, 2025: New accommodations are required for nursing mothers under House Bill 358
- Updated Payroll Bands: Officer payroll ratings now range from $700/week to $5,500/week
- Additional Claim Dispute Protections: Stronger appeal process at the Department of Labor level
Final Thoughts for NH Employers
Whether you run a ski lodge near Lake Winnipesaukee or manage a logistics team in Nashua, New Hampshire workers compensation insurance is essential to protecting your business and your team.
Here’s what to do now:
- Review your policy and RSA compliance
- Speak with a licensed advisor at 855-718-7552
Don’t risk fines or lawsuits—make sure you’re covered under NH workers comp insurance today.
