5 Things Your Employer Should Do After a Workplace Accident

No matter the severity of the accident, there are things your employer should generally do following a workplace accident.

When you’re employed, your workplace can often become your second home. You may spend most of your week there, working hard to complete your assigned tasks and contribute to the company. Because you spend so much time at work, it’s important that you feel safe while you’re there. Unfortunately, accidents happen; sometimes, they are minor and involve only a bump or bruise. However, other times, they are much more serious, resulting in disabling injuries or even death. No matter the severity of the accident, there are things your employer should generally do following a workplace accident.

1. Provide First Aid and Medical Treatment

If you’re injured at work, your employer is generally required to provide first aid and medical treatment. If your injury is more serious, they should generally call for an ambulance or take you to the hospital.

2. Secure and Investigate the Accident Scene to Determine Its Cause

Once you have received any necessary medical attention, your employer should take steps to secure the accident scene. This means that they need to fix any hazards that may have caused the accident or could cause another one. For example, if you slipped and fell because there was water on the floor, your employer would need to organize how to clean up the spill so that it doesn’t happen again. This also includes putting up warning signs and barriers to ensure that no one else is hurt.

Your employer should also take steps to ensure that the accident scene is not disturbed so that it can be properly investigated.

3. Complete the Necessary Paper Work

According to OSHA, your employer must fill out an “Incident Report” following a workplace accident. This report includes information about the accident, such as the date and time it happened, where it happened, what type of accident it was, and who was involved.

Your employer is also required to give you a copy of this report so that you have a record of what happened. Additionally, they will provide a copy to their insurance company so that your medical expenses can be covered.

4. Report the Accident to the Proper Authorities

In addition to completing the necessary paperwork, your employer is also required to report the accident to the proper authorities. For example, if someone is killed in a workplace accident, your employer should notify the police.

Your employer must also notify OSHA within eight hours if the accident resulted in a death.

5. Take Steps to Prevent Future Accidents from Occurring

Workplace accidents not only cause a financial burden to businesses but also physical and emotional pain for the victims and their families. This is why it’s so important for employers to take steps to prevent future accidents from occurring.

Your employer should have a safety program in place that includes regular safety inspections, hazard identification and correction, and employee training.

These are just a few things your employer should do in the immediate aftermath of a workplace accident. Knowing this can help you protect your rights and ensure that you receive medical attention and the compensation you deserve.

Speak With a St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident and are unsure what your next steps should be, the experienced St. Louis workers’ compensation attorneys at The Law Office of James. M. Hoffman can help! Contact us today for a free consultation and benefit from over 30 years of experienced!