As a general rule, employers with more than two employees in the same business within Virginia are subject to the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act. Employees who suffer on-the-job injuries and diseases may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Employers must insure their liability for these benefits through a commercial insurance policy, a self-insurance program, or membership in a professional employer organization or group self-insurance association.

An employee suffering a workplace injury or disease should immediately notify his or her employer.

A report of an accident or disease must be filed with the Commission within ten days of knowledge of the accident or disease. To accomplish this, an employer should immediately notify its insurance carrier about the accident, and the insurance carrier will then file the appropriate reports with the Commission. Insurance carriers file these reports with the Commission electronically.