- Employers must take proactive steps to prevent workplace injuries and provide their staff with ongoing safety training and seminars.
- Employers should ensure that affected employees are provided with assistance with testimonies and details on the incident, paperwork, and medical treatment.
- Companies can also provide access to workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical bills and wage losses during recovery.
- Taking proactive steps to manage workplace injuries is essential for employers to protect their staff from harm while ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
It is standard for employees to suffer injuries on the job, and employers must take active steps to prevent such occurrences. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workplace injuries result in thousands of workdays lost yearly. A total of 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses require days from work in 2021, resulting in a total of 722,000 days from work due to occupational injury or disease.
Specific jobs are more dangerous than others, with higher rates of workplace accidents and injuries occurring in fields such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. The BLS states that in 2017, transportation incidents accounted for about a quarter (25%) of all fatal occupational injuries among workers at private companies and government agencies; construction was second at 20%. Additionally, slips, trips, and falls accounted for 27% of nonfatal workplace injuries involving days absent from work during this same period.
Unfortunately, your office might not be exempt from workplace injuries. As an employer, it is essential to understand how to manage injured workers to mitigate damages and ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
Provide Safety Training and Seminars
Preventing workplace injuries is of the utmost importance for employers. A safe and healthy work environment is essential to protect employees from harm and avoid any resulting legal procedures. Not only does this help keep employees safe, but it also helps protect companies from potential costs and liabilities associated with accidents or medical care.
To minimize workplace injuries, employers must implement safety protocols and provide ongoing training for their staff. This can include offering seminars on proper safety techniques and best practices, such as using appropriate protective gear when necessary, understanding emergency procedures in case of an accident or injury, and refraining from engaging in unsafe behaviors such as horseplay. Employers should also provide clear instructions on adequately using equipment and adhere to safety regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Another critical step in preventing workplace injuries is ensuring all equipment is regularly maintained and inspected. This includes checking for potential hazards, such as frayed electrical cords or slippery surfaces, which could lead to slips, trips, or falls. Employers should also ensure that all machines are adequately guarded to prevent workers from coming into contact with hazardous moving parts.
Human Resources Assistance
Handling the situation with sensitivity and care is essential if an employee is injured. The first step should be to ensure any medical needs of the injured worker are taken care of immediately. Depending on the severity of the injury, this could mean calling 911 or taking them to a hospital for further treatment.
Human resources play a vital role in this process, especially regarding legal and financial matters. Here are a few steps to consider:
Recording testimonies and details of the incident
There will be numerous details to record after an injury, such as when and where the accident happened, who was involved, and what caused it. Make sure that all of these facts are adequately documented.
Filing paperwork
Employers must follow the relevant regulations when dealing with on-the-job injuries, including filing a workers’ compensation claim or other legal forms. HR personnel should be prepared to handle this step efficiently.
Communicating with the injured worker
HR professionals should also maintain regular contact with injured employees throughout their recovery. This includes advising them on any laws or regulations regarding their situation and answering any questions they may have about their rights or entitlements.
Informing emergency contacts and family members
If the injury is severe and requires hospitalization, it is essential to keep family members or other emergency contacts apprised of their loved one’s situation. HR professionals should be prepared to provide regular updates and answer any questions.
Provide Access to Compensation
Injuries can be costly for employers and employees, so providing access to proper compensation is essential. This includes workers’ compensation insurance, which can help cover medical bills and wage losses during recovery. Additionally, employers should consider offering additional support, such as in-home nursing care or vocational rehabilitation.
However, employees might need help with their deserved assistance because the paperwork can be time-consuming. Fortunately, companies can get workers’ compensation claims management services to support their employees. These services can include helping the injured worker fill out paperwork, review medical records and bills, and assist with other needs.
Employers can protect their staff by taking proactive steps to manage workplace injuries without burdening themselves with additional costs or liabilities. Keeping employees informed about safety regulations and providing access to proper compensation will help ensure a safe and productive work environment for all involved.
Final Thoughts
Employers need to have a plan of action before an injury occurs, as this will make it easier to handle the situation when it arises. By creating an organized system of protocols, companies can safely navigate any injured worker situation while ensuring the best possible outcome for all parties involved.
