As Pennsylvania residents who are interested in workplace safety likely know, responding appropriately to workplace injuries is vital. Worker safety procedures and proper documentation makes it easier for employers and employees to handle injuries efficiently when accidents happen.
The first response is directed at caring for an injured employee by assuring appropriate medical attention. Depending on the severity of the injury, that may involve emergency services or a visit to a medical facility. Since the cause of an accident may be investigated, securing the area lets an investigation proceed unabated. Reporting to workers' compensation carriers is a mandatory task, and employers are obligated to file an accident report within 24 hours. Additionally, the employer is obligated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to report all injuries and illnesses that are job-related.
Once the injuries are treated, it is in the best interest of both the company and the employee to have a plan that helps the employee return to the workplace if he or she is physically able to do so. The employee may not initially be able to do the same job, but alternate work might be made available. This allows for a transitional period where the worker might be able to reengage in workplace activities. If the worker is unable to do the same job, having alternate work may be helpful.
When Workplace Injuries occur, having a viable plan in place to provide needed medical care and enable on-site investigation as to what caused the accident by isolating the area helps in preventing other accidents and caring for an employee's immediate needs. Those who are injured may wish to seek the help of a workers' compensation attorney in the preparation and submission of a claim for benefits.
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