Quick Answer
In Associated Press (AP) style, the term is written as workers' compensation—all lowercase, with an apostrophe after "workers" to indicate the possessive. Use this form in headlines, body copy, and subheads unless the phrase begins a sentence.
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Why Capitalization Matters in Journalism
Consistent capitalization ensures clarity, maintains brand credibility, and aligns your content with industry standards. AP style is the most widely adopted guide for newsrooms, wire services, and many online publications, so following its rules helps your work blend seamlessly with other reputable sources.
AP Style Rules That Govern the Term
AP's core guidelines for capitalization are:
- Capitalize proper nouns and adjectives derived from them.
- Capitalize the first word of a headline and any proper nouns within it.
- All other words remain lowercase.
"Workers' compensation" is a generic term, not a proper noun, so it stays lowercase in most contexts.
When to Use Title Case
Title case is reserved for headlines, subheads, or any situation where AP explicitly calls for it. In those cases, only the first word and any proper nouns are capitalized:
- Headline: Workers' compensation claims rise in 2024
- Subhead: How new state laws affect workers' compensation benefits
If the term begins a sentence, capitalize the first letter as you would any other word:
Workers' compensation provides wage replacement for employees injured on the job.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Editors often stumble on three frequent errors:
- Capitalizing every word: "Workers Compensation" is incorrect in AP style.
- Omitting the apostrophe: "Workers compensation" removes the possessive and is grammatically wrong.
- Applying title case inconsistently: In a headline, only the first word should be capitalized unless a proper noun appears.
How Other Style Guides Treat the Term
While AP is the focus, it's helpful to know how major alternatives differ:
| Guide | Preferred Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Manual of Style | workers' compensation | Lowercase, same apostrophe rule. |
| MLA Handbook | workers' compensation | Follows general lowercase rule for common nouns. |
| APA Publication Manual | workers' compensation | Lowercase unless starting a sentence. |
Applying the Rule Across Different Content Types
News Articles
Use lowercase in the body copy. In headlines, capitalize only the first word: Workers' compensation reforms announced by governor.
Press Releases
Maintain AP consistency; many PR firms adopt AP style to increase pickup chances by news outlets.
Blog Posts & SEO Content
Even for SEO, follow AP rules to avoid over‑optimization that can look spammy. Use the correct form in meta titles, descriptions, and headings.
Checklist for Editors
- Is the term in the body copy? → lowercase with apostrophe.
- Is it the first word of a sentence? → capitalize first letter only.
- Is it in a headline? → capitalize only the first word (unless a proper noun appears).
- Did you include the apostrophe? → yes, after "workers".
Summary
AP style dictates that "workers' compensation" remains lowercase in most contexts, with an apostrophe to indicate possession. Capitalize only when the term starts a sentence or appears in a headline where AP requires title case. Following these guidelines keeps your writing professional, accurate, and ready for syndication.