In the event of an accident at work, your staff must know what steps to take to ensure their safety and properly document the incident.
This includes seeking medical attention, reporting the accident, documenting the incident, collecting contact information, following up with medical care and participating in any further investigations required.
As an employer, the health & safety of your staff should always be a top priority, but even with the most stringent precautions in place, accidents can happen in any workplace. By ensuring that your staff understand the right actions to take after an accident at work, you can help your staff recover quickly and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Read on for an overview of 6 steps that staff should follow after an accident at work to help promote a safe and healthy work environment.
Here are six steps staff should follow after an accident at work:
- Seek medical attention
- Report the accident
- Document the incident
- Collect contact information
- Follow up with medical care
- Cooperate with any investigations
Seek medical attention
The first priority after an accident is to seek medical attention. If the injury is serious, call for emergency medical services. Otherwise, visit a medical professional as soon as possible.
Report the accident
It’s important to report the accident to a supervisor or manager as soon as possible. They should be informed of the accident and the details surrounding it. This can be done verbally or in writing.
Document the incident
Staff should document the accident by taking pictures of the area where the accident occurred, any equipment involved, and the injuries sustained. This documentation can be used as evidence later on.
Collect contact information
If there were any witnesses to the accident, staff should collect their contact information, including their name and phone number. This can be helpful if there is an investigation or if legal action is necessary.
Follow up with medical care
Staff should follow up with medical care as needed to ensure they are properly treated and recover fully from their injuries. They should also keep their employer informed of their recovery progress.
Cooperate with any investigations
If there is an investigation into the accident, staff should cooperate fully with the investigation. They should provide any necessary information and be truthful about what happened. This can help prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
Further reading: Update and developments on Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations
What Should Employers Make Staff Aware Of About Accidents At Work?
Employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their staff, and part of this duty is to ensure that staff are aware of key information surrounding the prevention of, management and correct steps to follow when accidents happen at work is shared with all employees.
This covers safety procedures & protocols, and training aimed to prevent accidents, along with guidance on how staff can correct report and document an accident if one occurs.
Reporting procedures
Employers should inform staff about the reporting procedures for accidents and injuries. Every member of staff should know who to report the incident to, how to do so, and the time frame for reporting.
Workplace hazards
Employers should provide information about the potential hazards in the workplace and how to avoid them. This can include information about the safe use of equipment, handling of hazardous materials, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Training and Education
Employers should provide training and education to staff about workplace safety. This can include training on how to identify hazards, how to use equipment safely, and how to respond to emergencies.
Workers’ compensation
Employers should inform staff about their rights to workers’ compensation in the event of an accident or injury at work. Staff should know how to file a claim and what benefits are available to them.
Rehabilitation and return to work
Employers should inform staff about the rehabilitation process and return-to-work programs available to them if they are injured on the job.
This can include information about modified work arrangements and other accommodations that may be necessary to facilitate a safe and successful return to work.
Regulations That Protect Workers In the UK
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), The Work at Height Regulations 2005, and The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 are just a few examples of the legislation that exists in the UK to protect workers from accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Employers and employees need to be aware of their obligations under these regulations to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
Further reading: Safe Working Practices For Wet & Cold Weather
The Importance Of Reporting Accidents At Work
Reporting accidents at work is essential for identifying hazards, complying with legal requirements, ensuring workers’ compensation benefits, preventing future incidents, and promoting accountability and safety in the workplace.
Employers and employees should be aware of the importance of reporting accidents and incidents immediately to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
How To Record Accidents At Work
Employers should have a system in place for recording and tracking incidents, injuries, and near-misses and should ensure that all staff know what to do.
This can include incident reports, hazard assessments, and detailed records of any corrective actions taken. Staff should be trained on how to properly document an accident to ensure that all necessary information is recorded.
Record keeping should include the date, time, and location of the accident and a detailed description of what happened, including any witnesses or involved parties.
It should also include any medical treatment received, follow-up care plans, and the outcomes of any investigations.
Summary
Accidents can happen in any workplace, but staff must know how to react to ensure their safety and well-being. By following the six steps outlined in this blog, staff can take immediate action after an accident, including seeking medical attention, reporting the incident, documenting the incident, collecting contact information, following up with medical care, and cooperating with any investigations.
As an employer, it’s important to educate your staff about workplace safety, hazards, and reporting procedures to help prevent accidents from occurring and promote a healthy work environment.
Next Steps
If you want to ensure that your employees take the right steps following an accident at work, you must provide the right resources, training and support. If you would like support with managing and understanding your employer responsibilities in regard to accidents at work, please call 01244 893776 to talk to our friendly team.
