How to Handle Work-Related Injuries Accidents happen, even when the appropriate precautions are taken by management, like posting signage and facilitating proper training. Accidents are a part of life, yet their recurrences can be solved by employers. All workplace injuries must be reported to the relevant department. Workers are also responsible for investigating workplace incidents that may cause injury, and those that may cause future injuries. Serious accidents should be reported to WorkSafeBC immediately. Serious accidents may include: ● Fatality ● Major structural failure of a building, tower, crane, etc ● Crucial injuries If you’re not sure about the seriousness of an incident, report it anyway. A delay in the report of less serious injuries is acceptable. When an injury occurs in the workplace, managers should also follow protocols in order to handle a work-related injury or illness properly. Employees safety is important Employee safety is mandatory and treating them quickly is pivotal. In an emergency, people normally call 911 and ask for an ambulance, or transport the patient to a nearby hospital in the case of a non-emergency. But the situation is a bit different here, as you are already at the hospital. Your responsibility here is to take the injured person to the emergency department, or give them first aid yourself, because you know how to deal with such a condition. If the injury is serious, bring them to the relevant department as soon as possible. Secure the scene An investigation for serious accidents is a must. Whether you’re in clinic or hospital, follow the rules set forth for such an event. Secure the area of the accident as soon as possible. Limiting access to the scene of the incident is a way to avoid secondary accidents. Also, make sure to secure any equipment that was involved in the incident. Complete necessary paperwork Once the injured person and accident area have been secured, you can move on to the necessary paperwork. The incident report needs to be completed within the next 24 hours.
Return to work program Injuries can result in weeks or months away from the job, making it difficult for the person to return to employment. Convince your manager to prepare a return to work program for the injured person. If you are the manager, then you should do it yourself. Helping the injured employee return to normal health and work flow is paramount, and any necessary measures should be taken to ensure future accidents don't recur under the same conditions.
Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, Twitter