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Alabama state flag Alabama Workers' Compensation Requirements

Required from 5 employees

At a glance

5+
employee threshold (general)
1
construction threshold
Private market
buy from any carrier
AL Department of Labor - Workers' Compensation
official source (verified 2026-09-08)

The details

Required when regularly employing 5+; contractors excluded from the 5-employee exception (construction effectively 1+).

FAQ

Do I need workers' compensation in Alabama?

Yes — once you regularly employ 5 or more employees (full or part-time), Alabama requires workers' compensation coverage.

What about construction businesses in Alabama?

Construction has a stricter threshold: coverage is required from 1 employee(s), versus 5 for general businesses.

What if I don't carry required coverage in Alabama?

Penalties vary by state and can include per-employee per-day fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability for injury claims. Check the official source below for Alabama's current enforcement posture.

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Official source: AL Department of Labor - Workers' Compensation · Verified 2026-09-08 (official) · Compare all states · Construction rules · Farm rules