Workplace accidents: Things your employer should do

Most people don’t ever imagine getting injured on the job. But, workplace accidents can occur unexpectedly and leave you feeling lost and confused. It’s never a bad idea to seek clarification on state laws and to learn as much as you can about workers’ compensation, as well as your particular employer’s accident plan, in case you suffer an injury on the job.

Some jobs are undoubtedly more dangerous than others, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune to a workplace accident. Even if you work at a desk all day, there’s still a risk of injury. You could slip and fall on a wet floor that was not marked on your way to the restroom. A heavy object could fall on top of you, or you could develop a repetitive stress injury, especially if you spend hours typing or work on an assembly line. There are several things your employer should do to help you stay safe and to respond if you’re involved in a workplace accident.

A company plan should be in place

If your employer hired you but never provided training or informed you of the company’s plan of response for workplace accidents, that could be a problem. Your employer should provide a response plan that all workers and supervisors can follow. 

It’s helpful to not only have an accident response plan, but to provide training for all employees and managers so they are familiar with the plan and confident in activating it as needed. If you suffer an injury on the job and don’t even know how to report the incident, what good is the company plan?

Paperwork and medical attention

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s always best to seek immediate medical attention after a workplace accident. Your employer should have all proper paperwork available, including forms you can give the attending physician that he or she can sign to restrict your workplace duties or to give permission to return to work.

It’s important to create written documentation after a workplace accident, especially if you suffer moderate to severe injuries. If you file a claim for benefits, and obstacles arise, medical records and workplace documentation may be key factors in processing your claim.

Reporting an injury

You should, of course, report your injury to your employer as soon as possible after a workplace accident. Your employer should then report to all appropriate parties, including managers and insurance carriers. Failure to promptly report your injury may cause substantial delay or impediments to your recovery.

You should have a strong support network

If you’re involved in a Florida workplace accident that results in injury, your employer should not disregard your report. You may have the right to collect benefits, and your employer’s response to your case can assist or prevent you from getting the support you need.

It’s not uncommon for an insurance carrier to deny an initial claim, which is why many injured workers seek legal support to help them file appeals. A strong support network can advocate on your behalf so you can focus on recovery or rehabilitation as needed.

Workers in all industries in Florida face occupational hazards almost every day. Even seemingly insignificant risks can cause injuries with long-term health and financial consequences. Although providing a safe work environment and protecting your safety and health are your employer’s responsibilities, it might be a good idea to learn about the hazards in your workplace.

Once you can identify risks, you can take precautions to avoid injuries that will have you facing medical bills and lost wages. Although each industry has unique hazards, there are a few basic risks that exist in all workplaces.

Slips and trips

Regardless of the type of work you do, slip and trip hazards will risk your safety. These facts might help you to identify slip and trip risks:

• A combination of dangerous work environments and gravity cause most slip, trips and falls.
• Poor housekeeping can expose you to damaged flooring as well as loose or frayed mats or floor rugs
• Cleaning floors outside of work hours can avoid slippery floors during the hours of employee activities.
• Anti-slip flooring can prevent slips and falls.
• Wearing footwear with non-slip soles might be a good idea.
• Take special care when you walk in poorly lit areas like stairways and outside walkways.

Most slips, trips and falls are same-level incidents that could cause a variety of injuries that might include fractured bones, back injuries and even traumatic brain injuries.

Falling from heights

Falls from heights can occur on construction sites, in warehouses and even in an office storeroom. Take the following precautions:

• Too many construction workers fall from scaffolds and other elevated areas. You can insist on being equipped with a fall arrest harness.
• Avoid using random objects to work on out of reach areas, such as chairs in an office environment, using a forklift to reach high shelves in a warehouse, or standing on bricks or other building materials on a construction site.
• Never use a ladder to stand on while you work. Use it only to access an area such as a roof.
• Never miss safety training sessions that will teach you about proper placing of ladders and scaffolds, and you should know when to insist on safety features such as barriers, railings, safety nets and other devices.

Weather also plays a significant role in ladder and scaffold safety. Working at heights in the rain and strong winds can be life-threatening.

Musculoskeletal injuries

A significant percentage of workplace injuries cause muscle pains and strains. Here’s how to prevent them:

• Take frequent breaks if you do repetitive work.
• Alternate tasks to avoid overexertion of certain muscle groups.
• Learn proper lifting techniques to prevent shoulder and back pain.
• Use trolleys, conveyor belts and other devices when they are available or ask for help when objects are too heavy to lift.

If you have suffered injuries despite taking all these precautions, you might feel overwhelmed by mountains of medical bills and the inability to return to work. Fortunately, the Florida workers’ compensation insurance program pays benefits to injured workers. While you focus on recovering, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can navigate the benefits claim on your behalf.