When someone gets hurt on the job, WorkSafe is here to help. We specialize in occupational health in Wichita, KS, and understand how the early reporting of workplace injuries benefits workers and businesses. Check out some of the biggest advantages of timely incident reporting after an accident on the job site.
Encouraging Open Communication After an Accident Benefits Employers and Their Staff
Did you know that some employees never speak up if they sustain an injury on the job? They may think a minor injury isn’t worth reporting or that their employer will retaliate if they file a claim. It benefits businesses and their staff when employers encourage communication.
Business leaders will be made aware of incidents as quickly as possible, while injured employees will feel valued and supported throughout the process. Don’t take occupational health hazards lightly; foster an environment that promotes early reporting of workplace injuries.
Provide resources that educate staff about common workplace accidents and repetitive strain injuries. Display posters or send emails outlining notable symptoms and publish reporting protocols in your employee handbook.
Businesses Can Review and Adjust Workplace Safety Protocols
Say a hard-working employee suffers a musculoskeletal injury while performing their daily duties. Are those in similar positions also at risk of getting hurt? Workers should notify personnel quickly, not only for their own benefit but also to protect their colleagues.
Detailing the nature of the accident and injury allows businesses to evaluate their current safety protocols. Identifying hazards and updating procedures may help prevent some of the top workplace injuries and reduce employer liability claims.
For example, if a job is very physically demanding, an unhealthy worker may be prone to hurting themselves and holding their employer liable. A smarter approach for businesses would be to conduct pre-employment physicals and ability testing. This way, companies ensure they only hire people who are fully capable of performing the task at hand.
Early Reporting Streamlines Workers’ Compensation Claims
It’s easy to dismiss slight discomfort and carry on with your workload. However, the pain could persist and cause you to miss days of work as you visit doctors to treat the injury. Failing to notify your employer at the first sign of trouble can create issues when filing for workers’ compensation.
Early reporting of workplace injuries kickstarts the claim process and reduces the chance of a claim denial. Securing workers’ compensation coverage will provide peace of mind for hurt workers, as it typically covers:
- A portion of lost wages
- Initial medical treatment
- The cost of physical therapy or other rehabilitative measures
Injuries Won’t Worsen Because of Medical Treatment Delays
What if someone can’t seek treatment on their own because they’re uninsured or unable to cover the cost? There’s a good chance that their condition will worsen until healthcare providers properly treat it. Early reporting of workplace injuries allows employees to receive prompt medical care.
Workers’ comp insurance providers often outline procedures for anyone filing a claim, such as employers providing instructions for staff who need medical treatment. Following the proper protocol means an injured team member doesn’t have to delay any trips to the doctor for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
Companies Can Take Charge of Injury Prevention Measures
When HR departments and supervisors receive multiple reports of injuries on the job, it’s their responsibility to assess the underlying problem. Unsafe conditions could be the leading cause of accidents, but unless businesses actively adjust them, more members of the workforce could get hurt.
Whether an accident occurs or someone sustains a repetitive motion injury, you should review the report in detail and find ways to prevent future incidents. Strategies for keeping your workforce safe include:
- Educating them on proper posture
- Incorporating standing desks for better ergonomics
- Offering occupational health services for injury prevention
Don’t ignore the needs of your hurt employees, either. Enroll them in a work conditioning program so they can safely resume their job. Trained physical therapists take employees through static and dynamic exercises that improve their strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Contact WorkSafe for Help Preventing and Managing Injuries Within Your Business
There’s no denying the benefits of early reporting of workplace injuries. When receiving such a report, reach out to WorkSafe for occupational health services. We cater to Wichita businesses and offer support, early intervention, and treatment programs for injured staff.
Don’t delay booking a service after an accident occurs at your business. Call (316) 262-8800 to learn more about our services and request a quote.