What are the Rules for Contractors, Subcontractors in Missouri?

Compliance Corner

When it comes to contractors and subcontractors, it can be tricky to know when workers' compensation coverage applies and when it doesn't. When it comes to the State of Missouri, we have you covered, thanks to Simply Research.

'Usual Course'

Any person who has work done under contract on or about his premises that is an operation of the usual business which he there carries on shall be deemed an employer and shall be liable to such contractor, his subcontractors, and their employees, when injured or killed on or about the premises of the employer while doing work which is in the usual course of his business.

Independent Contractors

The provisions of Missouri workers' compensation law shall not apply to the owner of premises upon which improvements are being erected, demolished, altered or repaired by an independent contractor but such independent contractor shall be deemed to be the employer of the employees of his subcontractors and their subcontractors when employed on or about the premises where the principal contractor is doing work.

Order of Liability

In all cases, the immediate contractor or subcontractor shall be liable as an employer of the employees of his subcontractors. All persons so liable may be made parties to the proceedings on the application of any party. The liability of the immediate employer shall be primary, and that of the others secondary in their order, and any compensation paid by those secondarily liable may be recovered from those primarily liable, with attorney's fees and expenses of the suit. Such recovery may be had on motion in the original proceedings. No such employer shall be liable as in this section provided, if the employee was insured by his immediate or any intermediate employer.

For-Hire Motor Carriers

The provisions of Missouri workers' compensation law shall not apply to the relationship between a for-hire motor carrier operating within a commercial zone as defined in section 390.020 or 390.041 or operating under a certificate issued by the Missouri department of transportation or by the United States Department of Transportation, or any of its subagencies, and an owner, as defined in section 301.010, and operator of a motor vehicle.

Case Examples

In view of sections 287.040 and 287.120 subcontractor's injured employee could not maintain common law action for damages against general contractor. Thompson v. Kroeger, 380 S.W.2d 339 (Mo. 1964).

"Premises" contemplates any place, under exclusive control of employer, where employer's usual business is being carried on or conducted. Johnson v. Simpson Oil Co., 394 S.W.2d 91 (Mo. 1965).

The term "premises" is not restricted to the permanent site of the statutory employer's business nor limited to property owned or leased by him but contemplates any place under the exclusive control of the statutory employer where his usual business is being carried on or conducted. Boatman v. Superior Outdoor Advertising Co., 482 S.W.2d 743 (Mo. 1972).

To become a statutory employee three conditions must be met: 1. The work was performed under a contract; 2. The injury must have occurred on or about the premises of the employer; 3. The injury must have occurred while performing work normally done in the usual course of business of the employer. Miller v. Municipal Theatre Ass'n of St. Louis, 540 S.W.2d 899. (Mo. 1976).

Question of status as to statutory employee is not a matter of subject matter jurisdiction subject to a motion to dismiss; issue may be waived if not timely raised as an affirmative defense. McCracken v. Wal-Mart Stores East, LLP, 298 S.W.3d 473 (Mo. 2009).

Share This Article: