Accidents happen in the workplace – more often than you think. As an employer, you have to cover yourself for this eventuality, because it will happen. Creating a safe and healthy workplace is a great investment, but if the worst happens, what do you do? In today’s guide, we’re going to go through six ways of dealing with employee accidents.
Report the accident
You have to report all accidents and make notes in an accident book or file. Get in touch with your worker’s insurance company, too, so that they know what is going on. Any failure by you to do so could go against you in a claim, and you could be liable for excess.
Always take action
It doesn’t matter how small the injury appears to be, either. Even a minor knock to a knee or shoulder can cause problems further on down the line. Pay close attention to head injuries, too. Even if the employee feels fine, it is essential that you arrange a check up for them.
Get medical help
Early care will help your employee get better quicker, and stop things from getting worse. As an employer, it is essential that you have a plan in place, and intervene early to protect yourself. Not only will your efforts get a reward from lower compensation claims, but your employee will also be back to work quicker. This will mean less disruption and lower costs for your business. See Review Med for more details on the importance of getting your staff up and running as quickly as possible.
Be calm
Depending on the severity of the accident, it can have a detrimental effect on your business. If there is a hint of blood, it can cause emotions to run high. So, as a boss, it is essential that you keep your cool, stay calm, and have a plan in place for dealing with emergencies. It’s often a good idea to run through these scenarios in practice, and they can be excellent preparation for any major incident.
Show concern
It can be easy for employers to forget about their staff, especially when you run a large organization. But, you have to ask how that looks to everyone else. If you show that you care, it’s an excellent way to establish loyalty to your company and employee engagement. Plus, of course, you will have the gratitude of your injured employee and their family.
Make it easy to return to work
If your employee has had a nasty injury, they may not be able to do their regular job for a while. However, you should encourage them to come back into the workplace as quick as possible, within reason. Try and be flexible and find them something else to do – even if it’s only for a few hours a week. They will be thankful for the opportunity to earn again, and you will be helping towards their full rehabilitation.
Follow this guide, and you should get through any troubles when it comes to employee accidents at work. Always think about health and safety in the workplace, and it will save you money in the long run.
