Injured on the Job: OSHA Procedures After an Accident

If you are injured on the job, following protocols and procedures in the moment can be the last thing on your mind. However, it is important to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) guidelines to ensure your safety and your health. This will also help preserve your rights following an accident. 

This article provides a step-by-step guide for employees who suffer an injury in the workplace. Familiarity with these steps before an accident takes place can go a long way in protecting your safety and your rights. After a workplace injury, contact an experienced employment lawyer.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Employees Who Suffer Workplace Injuries 

• Move to safety: Your immediate safety is the most important thing. If you can, remove yourself from the situation and from additional harm.
• Report the injury: Notify your supervisor or a designated safety officer about the incident as soon as possible. OSHA has reporting requirements for work-related injuries that your employer must follow. Reporting a minor injury or near miss may prevent future employee injuries.
• Seek medical attention: Don’t delay in getting help, even if the injury seems minor, whether that means first-aid, outpatient or in-patient hospitalization, or an emergency room visit. Some injuries might not show symptoms immediately. Always follow the doctor’s advice and health care instructions.
• Call a lawyer: It’s possible your employer will want to settle things as soon as possible. A lawyer will assess the situation, help you navigate the workers’ compensation process, and make sure you do not give up any future rights by settling too quickly.
• Document everything: Ask for copies of all incident reports, safety reports, accident investigations, worksite assessments, citations, and other OSHA recordkeeping forms. Document what happened. Identify everyone who was there and saw the incident. If possible, take photos of the scene, any equipment involved, and anything that might be relevant.
• Follow company procedures: Fill out any required accident reports. But do not just sign every piece of paper your employer hands you. Be thorough and accurate.
• Save all medical records: Document all medical treatments, diagnoses, and recommendations related to your injury. Save all receipts. Write down how the injury has affected your daily life and the lives of your family members.
• Follow up: Stay in contact with your employer and your doctor. Inquire about any changes in the workplace because of your accident. Participate in any discussions about your return to work. Ask for changes to your duties, additional personal protective equipment (PPE), an improved safety program, or other corrective action if necessary. 

Reporting Protocols 

OSHA is the organization that sets the standards for workplace safety. After reported injuries, OSHA can take steps to prevent future injuries and correct hazardous conditions. Knowing that employees know these protections and adhere to them holds employers accountable. OSHA standards make sure employers take the necessary steps to maintain a safe work environment.

OSHA requires employers to report all workplace injuries. You play a critical role in that by reporting the workplace incident in detail. You can also ask for copies of OSHA inspection documents and the OSHA 300 log. If your employer doesn’t take your report seriously or doesn’t report it to OSHA, contact an attorney experienced in employment law. 

How a Lawyer Can Help 

The aftermath of a workplace injury can be confusing. You may have to deal with workers’ compensation, insurance companies, doctors, and employers. You may have suffered a serious injury, including an amputation, the loss of an eye, or a punctured eardrum. Your employment lawyer may be the only person working to preserve your rights.

A lawyer can explain your rights, your employer’s legal obligations, and specific steps you should take following an injury. They can help you with workers’ comp and put you in a position to get all the benefits available.

If your employer disputes your claim or you receive any sort of retaliation, a lawyer can represent you and advocate for your rights to make sure you get fair treatment. If your employer’s negligence caused your injury or if it does not follow OSHA regulations, a lawyer can help you explore legal options. If legal action is necessary, an employment lawyer will be able to represent you.