If accidents occur on the job, it’s essential that you take the proper steps to report the incident as quickly as possible. By taking time to establish policies related to reporting accidents in the workplace, you can protect your employees and even your business if (and when) an accident takes place. Keep reading to learn more about when to report an accident and a few best practices to keep in mind when they are reported.
Keep in mind that our legal team at Sternberg Forsythe, P.A. can also help with your claim to help ensure you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve for your injuries.
When Should You Report Accidents That Occur on the Job?
It’s important that you fill out an accident report right away or within 24 hours after the incident or Florida workplace accident, even in situations where the injury you suffered was minor.
As an employer, it’s a good idea to encourage employees to report incidents right away to ensure that small accidents do not become bigger and more costly claims. This ensures that your company has the time needed to investigate what happened, gather evidence, and interview witnesses while they still remember what happened. Reporting accidents early will also help you explain the claims process and ensure it is followed properly.
What Should Be Included in the Workplace Accident Report?
If an accident occurs on the job, it’s necessary to include specific details in the report. Some of the things that you need to include are:
- The person’s information including the name of the injured party, their position in the company, and the name of their supervisor.
- It’s important to include your name and job title so that the insurance company knows who needs to be contacted with questions related to the report.
- Be sure to include as many details about the accident as you can and describe who was there, what time it happened, and how the injured party was assisted.
- The parts of the body that were impacted in the accident. Be sure to write down observations made, rather than a diagnosis.
- Any corrective actions that were taken to prevent similar incidents in the future should be recorded.
- Any types of medical treatment that were given to the person after the accident or incident.
Best Practices When It Comes to Reporting Work-Related Accidents
Some of the best practices that you should keep in mind when reporting on-the-job accidents can be found here:
Ensure your team is aware of your business’s policies and processes. It’s a good idea to implement a safety training program for your team and give them the ability to access all workplace procedures, policies, and any other supporting documents always. Once you have trained your employees and leaders, be sure to guide them through the reporting process so they can learn the proper way to create a report and collect all related information and details related to the incident at the proper time.
Take care of the injured or affected person first. Before starting the reporting process, make sure to take care of the person who has been affected by the incident. Make sure that someone asks them if they suffered any injuries or if they need medical attention right away. Be sure to arrange for emergency treatment if it is needed.
Collect important evidence and information right away. Once any type of incident is witnessed or reported, be sure to collect the necessary information and data right away. It’s possible to use paper forms to gather this information or your business may opt to use reporting software that will help you streamline the data collection and overall reporting process.
Investigate what caused the accident. The data that you collect will help you determine the “how,” “what,” and “why” issues related to the incident. It’s these details that are going to help you investigate further to determine the actual underlying cause of the incident. In some situations, it may be necessary to take photos or videos to capture the scene where the accident occurred, damage to equipment, or the area where it happened.
Record all observations related to sustained injuries from the incident or accident. Be sure to write down if the person injured suffered any type of injuries from the accident. Make sure that you include the severity of the injuries and what they look like if they can be seen.
Get eyewitness information and accounts of the incident or accident. If anyone else saw the incident or accident, be sure they are interviewed. Write down what they say happened while the memory is still fresh.
Common Questions Related to Workplace Incidents and Accidents
Some of the most common questions related to reporting workplace accidents are answered here.
Why do you need to report workplace accidents?
You need to report any workplace accidents to ensure that the affected employee receives needed medical care if an injury occurs. Reporting a workplace incident will also let everyone learn what needs to be done to ensure they don’t occur again in the future.
Who is responsible for reporting a workplace accident?
Any type an implement is involved in some type of accident or if they see an accident, they must report it to the supervisors.
What are the most common types of workplace accidents that occur?
Some of the most common types of workplace accidents that occur include:
- Electrocutions
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Lifting accidents
- Falls from heights like roofing, scaffolding, or ladders
- Machinery and equipment accidents
- Power tool accidents
- Accidents on construction sites
Get in Touch with Our Legal Team for Help with Your Claim
If you have been injured at work in Florida, you have rights. One right is to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your injuries and losses. It’s important to keep in mind that you will need an accident report to prove what happened. Our legal team is ready to help. Contact us at Sternberg Forsythe, P.A. for help with your claim.
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