Workplace accidents happen everywhere, on construction sites, in factories, restaurants, amusement parks, and even offices and retail spaces. As an employer, ensuring the well-being of your employees and the safety of your premises is your responsibility. But even implementing the best measures does not guarantee complete safety. Mishaps may still occur due to unavoidable causes. When an employee gets hurt at work, you have a set of responsibilities to fulfil as an employer. Not addressing them is ethically, morally, and legally wrong. It is crucial to be aware and go the extra mile to do your bit. Let us explain your responsibilities while addressing a work injury claim.
Cooperate with your insurance carrier
A work injury claim involves an investigation by the insurance carrier and their company. It is your duty to cooperate with them in every way possible. They will require details like employee records and payroll history documentation. They may also want to speak to the coworkers and supervisor of the injured employee to validate facts about the accident. Make sure you provide all the required documents and support to the carrier. But you must be honest and unbiased throughout the entire process. If you need legal guidance during this time, consulting a workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta can help ensure your rights are protected.
Support the injured employee
An employer is responsible for fair treatment to the employees, even more, when they sustain injuries at work. You must do your bit to support them because a positive dialogue with employees can lead to an amicable resolution. Injured workers often hire experts to help with making a claim because they are legally entitled to compensation. While you cannot influence their decision to go to court, you may do your bit to ease the process for your employees. Facilitating constructive cooperation is a good way to prevent the claim from becoming emotionally stressful and financially draining for everyone.
Facilitate return to work
As an employer, you must also facilitate the employee’s return to the workplace after recuperating from the injury. Penalizing or terminating an employee only because they filed a workers’ compensation claim is legally wrong. If you do so, you may face criminal or civil charges. Moreover, such unfair actions can affect your reputation as an employer and brand. Conversely, being there for your workers passes a positive message to the entire team and boosts loyalty and positivity.
Take corrective actions to prevent future mishaps
Ensuring workplace safety is another responsibility no employer can overlook. A mishap and injury claim can be an eye-opener as it shows the inherent risks in operations. It is your responsibility to take corrective actions to address these risks and prevent similar mishaps in the future. It is a small price to pay for ensuring safety for your team. The good thing is that you will have a loyal and productive workforce that appreciates your mindset and actions.
A responsible approach to a work injury claim has immense benefits. It strengthens your relationships with the employees and enables you to implement best practices for securing your workplace for the long haul. Moreover, it can prevent stressful and extended disputes between the employees and insurers.
