A Guide To Dealing with Staff Injuries Onsite

While we all want to work in a safe environment, accidents happen. As an employer or line manager, you must create the safest work environment possible. Additionally, you need to know the steps to take if an accident occurs and staff injuries occur.

When an employee gets injured, you and your team must act quickly and efficiently. Ensure the injured party receives care and treatment as fast as possible. Quick treatment provides the best care for the employee and reassures others, allowing business to return to normal.

Preparing your business reduces the likelihood of workplace injuries. Here are some steps to help make your business as safe as possible.

Futureproof Your Employees’ Wellbeing

Rather than preparing for what to do if an accident were to take place, you should look for ways to futureproof your employees’ well-being and reduce the likelihood of an injury taking place. You can future-proof and protect your employees by assessing the work environment and locating any issues and hazards that may have gone unnoticed or been neglected until now. You can also train employees and supervisors so that they know how to handle an injury, as well as keep first-aid kits well-stocked and provide on-the-job training for all new and current staff members.

The best way to look after your employees’ well-being is to minimize the risk of an injury taking place. Although accidents do happen, it is also essential that you have a reliable team in place so that they know how to act and can help the injured party if an accident were ever to occur.

Have the Correct Insurance

Any accident, no matter how big or small will need to be recorded. Furthermore, an employee may wish to file a workers’ comp claim against you, so you should ensure that you have the correct insurance in place for such matters. Business liability insurance will provide you with coverage for a variety of accidents, from bodily injury to property damage as well as libel, slander and defamation claims. Not only does the right insurance protect your company, but it also protects your employees and provides compensation. You’ll want to ensure you check workers’ comp insurance costs for your team.

Investigate the Incident

You will need to record the events of the accident so that you gain an understanding of what happened and caused the incident. By doing this, you can protect yourself if an employee attempts to sue your company. This is because through investigating the incident, you may discover that it was the employee’s fault and your company cannot be held accountable.

Investigate by:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Creating incident reports
• Checking CCTV
• Speaking with the injured party (once they are ready)
• Take photographs of the scene

Assist the Injured

While you need to investigate how the accident happened, your priority is to assist the injured and ensure their well-being. Avoid disturbing the scene to preserve evidence, but assess the injury’s severity.

Treat minor scratches and burns with a medkit, but call an ambulance for major injuries. As an employer, you must assess the situation and make a judgment call.

Complete the Paperwork

Complete all paperwork promptly, especially if the incident could escalate and the injured employee might file a claim against your company. Staying on top of the claims process can speed everything up and clarify any agreements, including the employee’s return-to-work information.

Employee well-being should top your list of priorities. Although you strive to create a safe working environment, you cannot always prevent accidents. Know the steps to take if workplace injuries occur to ensure employees receive the right treatment quickly, minimizing injury and discomfort.