Nobody likes being in an accident. Unfortunately, they do happen – even in workplaces where safety standards and preventive measures are enforced. And if it does happen to you, no amount of wishing otherwise will do you any good. The best way to face the possibility of a workplace accident is to know what to do if it happens to you.
The following is a general outline of what to do when you’re involved in a workplace accident. It’s important to remember, however, that every workplace is different. Use this as a general guide on what to do, but make sure to tailor it according to your particular workplace and situation.
Get the appropriate treatment immediately.
The first action to take after an accident is to get the appropriate treatment for your situation. Make sure you’re out of any further harm or danger first, then seek help from those around you. Check your condition and health, and call for medical assistance if necessary. If still hurt, do not make any drastic movements until you get the proper medical attention from professionals.
Notify relevant authorities.
Once you’re treated and stabilised, notify relevant authorities immediately. This means notifying your family and employer as well as any other relevant groups (e.g. police or your insurance provider). The sooner you make the notification, the sooner you’ll be able to get assistance and support.
Make a report.
When you’re ready and able, make a formal report about the accident. Gather and present as much information as you can about what happened, including the time and place of the accident and any witnesses who may have been at the scene. The more details and information you can get and provide, the more you’ll know what steps you can take afterward.
File for compensation (if applicable)
If eligible, you can file for compensation to cover any medical costs or expenses caused by the accident. This step may take some time to process as the incident will be thoroughly investigated by relevant authorities. The process itself will also depend on what exactly happened in the accident and the policies of your company and local government regarding workplace compensation. One way to make the process smoother, however, is to ensure the report you made in the previous step is as accurate and detailed as it can be. The more information and evidence you provide, the smoother the investigation will go.
Seek legal help from specialists (if necessary)
Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek legal assistance from third-party specialists and lawyers if necessary. Workplace compensation can be a tricky matter because each situation is different and several factors are involved. To make sure you’re making the best case for yourself, consider getting professional help from legal experts. These lawyers will know the applicable laws and be able to provide you your best courses of action to move forward.
Getting into an accident in the workplace is never desirable. But it’s important to be prepared and to know what you need to do if it does happen. If you feel your workplace is unsafe or needs better safety standards, let your employer know immediately. Or if you’re the employer yourself, consider consulting with safety specialists like DRA Safety to minimise risks and liabilities in your workplace. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
