Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Wisconsin is recognized as the first state to enact a workers' compensation law that remains in effect, with the law coming into existence in 1911. This landmark legislation established a system that ensured that workers who were injured on the job would receive medical care and wage replacement benefits without having to prove negligence on the part of their employer. This system marked a significant shift in labor law, focusing on providing security for workers while simultaneously protecting employers from being subjected to lawsuits for workplace injuries.

Wisconsin's early adoption of workers' compensation set a precedent that influenced other states to follow suit, leading to the establishment of similar laws across the country, ultimately resulting in a nationwide framework for worker protections. The significance of this act lies not only in its historical importance but also in its enduring legacy, which continues to shape workers' compensation programs today.