It is always best to avoid workplace accidents and to ensure that staff is trained to avoid accidents. If the unavoidable workplace accident occurs, it is also important that employees know what steps to take.
Workers have a right to be safe on the job. Those injured at work should reach out to a seasoned Workers’ Compensation lawyer for assistance.
First Step: Move to Safety
First, it is important to move the injured person to safety if they are in a dangerous area. Employees should help move the injured individual if they can do so without risking further injury to the person.
Administer First Aid
Next, there should always be a first-aid kit at the workplace, and employees should always be aware of its location.
When an accident occurs, employees should immediately retrieve the first-aid kit and render treatment as appropriate. The majority of people should be cleared from the scene in order to provide space for the victim. Two to three employees should remain to monitor the severity of the injury. A supervisor should be notified of the injury if he or she is not already aware of the incident.
Calling for Medical Assistance When Necessary
If necessary, an employee or supervisor should call for medical help. Failure to summon help could result a lawsuit against the employer.
Writing Down What Occurred
One the injured person is stabilized, employees may want to take notes about the incident in case they have to serve as a witness in the future. Employees may also be immediately interviewed by management about the incident and what may have caused the accident and resulting injury.
How are Witnesses Processing the Incident?
Although witnesses may not share medical information about the injured person with others, it may be a good idea to check in with coworkers to see if they have any feelings related to witnessing the accident and consulting with management on whether further action is necessary. This is key if the incident was particularly traumatizing to the victims and others involved. It may be particularly relevant if another employee was partially or fully to blame for the accident.
Prevention
After a coworker is injured on the job, other employees may want to share information with management regarding ways that type of accident can be prevented in the future.
Downingtown Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Assist Workers Injured on the Job
Although employers may try their best to prevent accidents, employee injuries can occur on the job. If you suffered an injury, whether it was life-threatening or it kept you out of work for some period as a result of conditions in the workplace, you could be eligible to collect Workers’ Compensation benefits. The Downingtown Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC can evaluate your case under the current law. Contact us online or call us at 610-594-1600 for a free consultation today. We are located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve residents of Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.