Six Important Steps to Take When a Worker is Injured

I. REPORT THE ACCIDENT

• Workers are very often reluctant to file accident reports or are discouraged by their superiors to do so.
• Accidents must be reported no matter how serious the injury so that the worker’s rights are protected

II. MAKE THE ACCIDENT REPORT BRIEF AND TO THE POINT

• Keep the accident report simple and to the point.
• If the accident occurred because of defective equipment or a dangerous condition say so. For example:
  • “worker fell because of ladder not secured”
  • “worker fell through unguarded opening”
  • “worker slipped on debris on floor”

III. OBTAIN NAMES, ADDRESSES AND PHONE #’s OF WITNESSES

• Witnesses are very important in helping the injured worker prove his case
• Get contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident or the condition that caused the accident. Tell the witness that you will give it to the injured worker and that they will be contacted privately.

IV. GET PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT SITE AND EQUIPMENT IN QUESTION

• Conditions on job sites change daily.
• Pictures which show the area of the accident or the condition that caused the accident are very helpful in proving the worker’s case.
• Cell phone pictures should be provided to the injured worker.

V. ENCOURAGE THE WORKER TO GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION/EVALUATION

• Injured workers are very often reluctant to leave the job for medical attention.
• It’s important that the injured worker get medical attention/evaluation as soon as possible after an accident

VI. FILE A WORKERS COMPENSATION REPORT FOR THE WORKER

• Even if the injured worker is only going to the emergency room a workers comp claim should be filed.
• The seriousness of many injuries does not become apparent until much later. By filing the claim the worker will not have a problem relating the later treatment to the accident.

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