Workplace Injury Response Procedure
There are various safety standards and regulations in place to minimize the risk of workplace accidents. Unfortunately, work-related accidents remain a leading cause of personal injury. When a worker is injured on the job, there are certain procedures that should be followed to ensure that medical expenses and other injury-related losses are covered by appropriate parties.
Workplace injury attorney Daniel D. Moody assists workers in Lakeland, FL, Winter Haven, FL, and surrounding areas in pursuing compensation for work injury damages. Here, he goes over the proper workplace injury response procedure that will strengthen a workers’ compensation claim.
Provide Employee Care
Employee care should be the first priority after a workplace accident. Coworkers and management should assess what type of care is needed, and whether there is anyone onsite who can meet the employee’s immediate needs. If the situation seems to constitute an emergency, or if severe injuries are present, someone should call 911 so that an ambulance can report to the scene and provide emergency care.
Notify a Manager and Human Resources
After a workplace accident, the employer’s immediate supervisor and the company’s human resources department should be notified as soon as possible. Most employers require notification within a specific timeframe, such as one business day from the date of the accident. If injuries are catastrophic and the employee is incapacitated, this deadline would be extended.
Once a manager and human resources has been notified, they will provide the employee with a list of hospitals, doctors, and medical providers that are covered under workers’ compensation. Unless the employee has previously appointed care under their own provider, all non-urgent medical attention should be under the care of a workers’ comp approved provider. If employees do not follow this protocol, they risk missing out on coverage for medical treatment.
Complete Accident Form
In addition to a verbal notification, employees should complete an accident form following a workplace injury. An accident form serves as an official notification. This legal document contains details of the accident, such as when and where the accident occurred, the circumstances surrounding the accident (including any known accident cause), who was involved, accident witnesses, and the types of injuries sustained. An accident form often needs to be signed by both the employee and their supervisor. A copy of the accident form should be submitted to the workers’ compensation insurance administrator.
Post-Accident Follow-Up
If a workplace injury results in time away from work, the employee will need to coordinate with their employer to determine when they can return to the job. Depending on sustained injuries, the employer may require a doctor’s clearance before allowing the employee back to work.
If an employee suspects that a workplace accident was caused by a third-party, such as a contractor or a property owner, they may be due compensation beyond that provided by workers’ compensation. In these cases, injury victims should consult with a knowledgeable work injury attorney. Daniel D. Moody works with injury victims to explore all potential sources of compensation for injury damages.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, attorney Daniel D. Moody can guide you through the response procedure and help you consider your right to compensation for injury losses. To discuss the details of your case with our legal team, send us a message online or call us in Lakeland at (863) 284-9090 as soon as possible.