How many employees must an employer have to be affected by the workers' compensation law?

In Tennessee, the workers' compensation law applies to employers who have five or more employees. This inclusion means that an employer is required to provide workers' compensation coverage for their employees in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses once they reach this threshold.

The rationale behind this number is that it helps identify businesses that are of a sufficient size that the risks associated with employing individuals warrant the necessity of providing a safety net through insurance coverage. Employers with fewer than five employees may not be mandated by law to carry this insurance, although they can still opt to purchase it for their protection and to cover their workers.

This standard is set to ensure that a significant number of employees receive appropriate protection and benefits, as injuries and occupational diseases are a potential risk regardless of the size of the workforce, but the law recognizes a point at which it becomes essential for employers to provide such coverage.