What Should You Do If a Worker is Injured on the Job?

Workmen's compensation policy is a type of insurance plan that provides financial benefits for workers who sustain a work-related injury, such as bodily injuries, disabilities, or even death.

It is in accordance with The Workmen's Compensation Act 1923 and helps employees handle their medical treatment expenses and compensate for the loss of earning capacity.

Now that we have seen the legal mandate regarding employee compensation policy, here is how we should respond to an accident in the workplace.

Swift Action: Immediate Response To Workplace Injuries

• Prioritise first aid
  In the event of an accident that causes an injury to any worker, administering first aid or any other medical assistance in-house should be a priority.

Before proceeding with the arrangements for transportation to the hospital, the employer should have the necessary trained resources for such incidents, especially in crucial sectors such as construction companies and manufacturing units.

• Document the incident
  While first aid is being provided, accurate documentation of the incident has to be undertaken. It includes details such as the date, time, nature of activity done, how the incident happened, and eyewitnesses, if any. Take photographs or videos if possible.

• Inform Authorities
  Ensure informing the relevant authorities about the accident in the workplace, such as the senior officials of the management, regulatory authorities such as the WC commissioner, WC policy insurance provider, etc.
  The senior management and HR can coordinate the next steps for medical attention and legal compliance.

Comprehensive Care: Proper Medical Attention
Ensure the injured employee or employees receive the necessary and prompt medical attention, including diagnosis, hospitalisation, medication, surgery if required, rehabilitation if required, etc., depending on the severity of the injury. Utmost care and support should also be rendered to their respective families to help them emotionally overcome such an incident in their lives.

Legal Obligations: Workers’ Compensation Insurance
The next important responsibility is to inform the insurance provider regarding the incident and raise the workplace compensation claim with the relevant application forms and supporting documents. The compensation depends on the severity of the injury and the extent of loss of earning capacity.

At Tata AIG, we offer access to our workmen's compensation policy online, which details the features and exclusions. Take prompt action in informing and processing the claim to avail of timely settlements to benefit the employees and their family members.

Rebuilding Stronger: Creating A Supportive Work Environment

• Modified workplace accommodations
  Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, the affected workers can be provided with a modified work environment. It can include providing convenient furniture, assigning less mentally and physically demanding tasks, revising work routines, etc.

• Provide emotional support
  Getting affected by an accident in the workplace and going through treatment can be extremely stressful. Employers need to create a system for open communication and empathy to acknowledge their values, help them overcome the trauma, and recover better and sooner.

It is important to address their anxieties and help them ensure these duties align with their capabilities after the incident.

• Arrange for rehabilitation or counselling programs
  If the accident and the injury in the workplace are severe and traumatic, employers can consult healthcare professionals and bring in professional rehabilitation programs or counselling sessions for the employees to overcome the situation and get back to their routine.

It can be tailored to individual needs or arranged for a group of employees.

• Keep communicating
• Communicate with the employees throughout their recovery. Schedule timely check-ups and monitor their progress. Inform them about any changes in the work pattern or standards set up in the organisation to help them integrate better into their work.

Safeguarding Success: Proactive Safety Initiatives
After an accident, employers become more responsible for taking the necessary and proactive measures to prevent similar workplace injuries. They can take the following steps to enhance the work environment and make it a better place to work.

• Risk Assessment
  Analyse the location or the machinery where the accident happened and assess reasons for the possible risks. Address potential hazards that can cause severe accidents in the workplace and proactively mitigate them.

• Additional Safety Equipment
  Incorporate a better safety culture at the workplace by including additional safety equipment such as helmets, fire extinguishers, etc. Ensure to regularly monitor their working conditions so that they can function as expected when there is an extreme demand.

• Additional Training
  Find better SOPs to incorporate into business operations and train the employees in the new practices. Enhance safety protocols and ensure all the employees are up to date. It will help them respond better after the incident to foster a safer work culture.

Accidents at the workplace can significantly impact employees and employers. It becomes the employer's responsibility to take effective measures to help the affected employees recover and resume better at work.

By focusing on immediate medical attention, fulfilling legal obligations, taking the right preventive measures, and creating a supportive environment for employees, businesses can mitigate the impact of accidents.

A workplace compensation claim can help the affected employees and their families financially recover from the inconsistencies incurred due to a sudden loss of earning capacity. Further, proactive measures and revised safety protocols can build and strengthen a safe work culture!

By purchasing a workmen’s combination insurance policy, SME insurance employers can offer financial security initiatives for their employees' well-being and business growth.