The primary difference between the Jones Act and the Workers' Compensation Law is the scope of coverage.  The Jones Act specifically applies to employees who work at sea in navigable waters.  However, workers' compensation laws apply to employees of all kinds.  It has a broad range of coverage for the different types of employees in various industries such as construction, transportation, healthcare,  heavy industries, etc.  The Jones act is a federal legislation,  workers compensation laws are insurance damages provided at the state level.  From state to state in the US.