Accidents do happen frequently, but most people don’t anticipate them happening while they are watching. Because of this, even when a business has taken all necessary precautions to get workers’ compensation insurance coverage, workplace injuries can still come as a surprise. Even while workplace accidents are frightening to consider, having a strategy may help you remain composed under pressure.
These mishaps aren’t only restricted to the typical workplace setting, though. Due to the widespread use of remote work brought on by the worldwide pandemic, workers’ compensation insurance claims for working from home have become regular. Even while a home office may not appear as risky by nature as other work settings, it doesn’t imply that employees can’t get wounded there. And is your company legally liable if one of your employees gets hurt or develops a health problem while working?
The answer is “most certainly” – those who conduct their business from home are legally entitled to the same workers’ compensation benefits as those who work in regular offices. Workplace injuries should always be reported to your insurance carrier, where a licenced adjuster will determine whether they are covered and whether your employees are eligible for benefits. As an employer, it makes no difference that you have no control over the conditions of your employees’ home office.
The actions employers should take in the regrettable situation of a worker injury at work are outlined below.
1. Take care of the safety and injury issues
Identifying the emergency level is the first step after an accident. You should dial 911 if the wounded individual needs to receive medical attention right away. You might be able to call a medical advice hotline via your workers’ compensation insurance if an injury is less serious but may still need medical attention to find out whether going to the emergency room or urgent care is the best course of action.
2. Inform the workers’ compensation carrier of the injury
As soon as you can, you should notify your workers’ compensation insurance provider of the injury. The quicker you contact the claims adjuster, the more likely you are to receive answers to your queries and fill in any gaps. Be prepared to share information regarding the situation, including:
– The incident’s date and time
– The place where the incident took place
– Information on the harm
– The day you learned about the injury
– The date you sent the employee the claim form and related papers
– The date the worker gave you the information about the claim.
Keep in mind that it’s preferable to file an incomplete report than to postpone the claims procedure even if you’re still gathering information.
3. React quickly to requests for further information
The insurance adjuster, the injured worker, and the medical providers may contact you with inquiries or requests for information after the workers’ compensation claim has been filed. Your replies to these questions should be given priority because the claims procedure is time-sensitive.
To ensure that additional employees who saw the event or have knowledge of it contribute timely information for the claims investigation, you may need to frequently interact with them as an employer. Promoting responsibility could speed up the claims procedure and enable everyone to return to work
4. Determine Training And Workplace Safety Needs
Despite being regrettable, workplace accidents frequently indicate the need for more safety precautions or employee training. To find out about the best workplace safety procedures, consult your state’s workers compensation agency such as santacruz workers comp as well as your workers’ compensation insurance provider.
A safety audit might be one strategy for reducing team injuries and preventing future mishaps. By demonstrating your dedication to employee safety, you may boost employee morale and perhaps even lower your company insurance costs.
Once your plan is in place, you’ll be able to concentrate on managing other facets of your company with the assurance that, in the event of an accident, you’ll have the knowledge and protection required.
Author Bio
John Adams is a paralegal and lifestyle blogger who concentrates on health/fitness, life hacks, personal injury law, and home-improvement. He encourages readers to fight for their rights and overcome obstacles holding them back. He believes that every person can improve the quality of his/her life by thinking positive and making better choices.