Managing a business is accompanied with a lot of fundamental duties. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of duties, that is difficult to handle when conflicts arise. Although numerous responsibilities pile up, there is one thing that should never be neglected, employee health and safety.
It is inevitable that injuries happen in the workplace. However, it’s how an employer respond that will lead the outcome.
If an employee acquires a job-related injury, the employer is responsible for assisting the employee with lost wages and other accommodations. In each different state, the law requires employers to handle workers’ compensation insurance. It includes paying a portion of the employee’s regular pay while they are recovering from any work-related illness or injury.
But there are some types of workers that are not included in workers’ compensation laws. It includes the railroad employees and independent contractors. There are some rare cases that employees can sue employers for injury due to a persistent violation of safety regulations.
Most Common Workplace Accidents
- Slips and Falls
Slip and fall accidents at work because of damaged or wet floors or other interference are the leading cause of head injuries, injured backs, and broken bones. Slips and falls have a lot of causes. However, these accidents are easily prevented.
- Manual Work Activities
These types of accidents usually happen for a work environment where pulling, carrying, heavy lifting, moving items or pushing is needed. The most common injuries attained are muscle injuries, broken limbs, heart problems and back injuries.
- Working Around Vehicles and Moving Equipment
If the mode of work includes moving equipment and vehicles, the most common injury comes from being hit by the vehicle or any falling items. These mishaps could lead to head injuries, broken limbs, neck injuries or even traumatic injuries to other parts of the body.
- Electric Shock
Electrocution or electric shock are injuries that are fatal and serious. Employees that deals with electricity on a daily basis are at higher risk of the said injuries.
- Workplace Hazards
It depends on the type of work. However, employees exposed to chemicals are the ones in risk while working. Explosions, burns and other serious injuries are the common accidents that happen.
What is the Employer’s Responsibility?
- First, employers should ask for medical attention. If employers fail to provide the employee with any immediate medical help, it will have a negative bounce back to the company. If the injury seems serious, always call for 911. However, if the injury doesn’t need any serious medical attention, employers should advise the employee to take a rest and have thorough check up.
- Then, employees must report illnesses and injuries within five working days after being aware of it. Employers should allow employees to submit an injury claim. Also, employers must not do or say anything that will discourage employees from proceeding.
- The company or anyone from the company should work closely in cooperation with the worker’ compensation carriers and their employees.
- Employers must re-employ and welcome the employee back to the company. Employers cannot terminate or penalize any worker for filing an injury claim.
Takeaway
Though running a business is a big responsibility, however, of all the responsibilities an employee’s safety should be on the top list. Prioritizing the employee’s health will give fewer complications to the company and employees in the future.
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