Workplace injuries happen to the best of companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employer-reported injury and illness rate was 2.8 for every 100 workers in 2019.
It’s best to not let these injuries occur in the first place, by beefing up on safety measures and protocols. However, as the numbers show, workplace incidents are sometimes unavoidable.
That’s why it’s important to have an injury at work policy when accidents do happen. As an employer, the worst thing you can do is to panic. It demoralizes your employees and doesn’t help the person injured on the job.
What actions should you take when misfortune strikes? Follow the steps below on what to do when there is an injury at work.
Table of Contents
1 . Look After Your Employee First
The health and safety of your injured employee should be the priority right after an accident. Call 911 or an ambulance if the situation is an emergency. For less severe injuries, get the worker looked at by your workers’ compensation doctor or a nearby walk-in clinic.
Ideally, you should have a staff member trained in first-aid to assess the injury and give emergency treatment. Make sure that your first-aid station has a complete and up-to-date stock of first aid refills.
2 . Secure the Scene of the Injury at Work
There’s a reason why police officers put a premium on securing a crime scene. This step prevents bystanders from getting hurt and preserves evidence.
The scene of a workplace injury is similar. By securing it, you can avoid secondary accidents and maintain the scene for proper investigation.
3 . Document and Investigate the Incident
After securing the scene, it’s time to gather the facts. Interview witnesses and take photos. Document everything!
Conduct a thorough investigation so you can present an accurate report to the proper parties.
4 . Report the Accident
“How do I report an injury at work?” OSHA has put together reporting and record-keeping regulations for workplace accidents. Facilitate the reporting across all levels (e.g. the supervisor, injury management officer, etc.).
Keep in mind that you’re required by law to report any fatality within 8 hours of the accident. For amputations or loss of an eye, you have 24 hours to submit a report.
5 . Follow-up on Your Employee
Your job doesn’t end with transporting the injured worker to a medical care facility. You should check in with your employee and ask how the doctor’s visit went. You should also ascertain that they’re getting the appropriate medical attention.
Open and honest communication is crucial at this time. Let the employee know that their health and well-being is of the utmost importance to the company.
6 . Make Sure That It Doesn’t Happen Again
Like we said, accidents can and do happen. However, there’s no excuse for the same incident to occur twice.
Learn what went wrong, how it happened, and how you can prevent it from happening in the future. Make the necessary changes and assure your employees that you’re looking out for them.
Keep Your Employees Safe
The lives and health of your workers are irreplaceable. While it’s hard to predict that an injury at work will happen, you can be ready on the occasion when it does happen.
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