While injuries on the job aren’t 100% preventable, it’s important to know what to do when they do occur. As an employer, it’s your job to follow the proper procedures when an employee is hurt on the job.
By following the proper steps after an employee is hurt, you can help the immediate concerns about their health and wellness before moving on to the managerial responsibilities of the incident.
The 5 steps to follow when your employee is hurt on the job
When you’re first informed about, or witness, one of your employees being hurt on the job, your mind will probably start racing. But panicking won’t do you any good. That’s why it’s important to know the proper steps to take to ensure that your employee is taken care of, and that you follow legal procedures.
Here’s what you need to do when an employee is injured in the workplace:
- Provide medical attention — Immediately responding to the incident should always be the first step. This often means utilizing a first aid kit to help stop any blood and soothe the pain. Depending on the injury, you may need to call an ambulance. If an employee doesn’t receive proper medical attention when hurt on the job, it could lead to a lawsuit.
- Learn the facts — Gather as much information about the incident as possible from both the injured employee and potential witnesses. Thoroughly document the incident and take photos of the injuries as well as the surrounding area. Evidence is essential for potential injury and insurance claims.
- File an OSHA report — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires serious work-related injuries to be reported to the agency, such as fatalities or those that require hospitalization. Incidents can be reported either online or by calling the 24-hour hotline at 800-321-6742.
- Discuss a workers’ compensation claim — It’s up to the employee if they want to file an injury claim for workers’ compensation. As their employer, it’s important that you provide them with the option by giving them a claim form. They can also file a claim in the future if they later on develop issues from the injury.
- Take preventive measures — If an employee was hurt on the job, it’s important to determine if it was due to a hazard that could have been prevented. Use the evidence that you gathered to determine if action needs to be taken to prevent the injury from recurring in the future, such as training and education for your employees.
Work-Fit can help you follow the proper steps after an employee is hurt on the job
It can be jarring when an employee gets hurt in the workplace, but knowing the proper steps to take can ensure that every facet of the incident is handled safely and efficiently. Our injury management services are here to help.
Contact our team today to find out more about all the benefits Work-Fit can bring to your workplace.
