Do Your Employees Know How To Report Work-Related Injuries?

A key component of workers compensation insurance is the notifying employees of their right to coverage.  

Most employers must have this type of protection in place. It ensures a worker hurt on the job can access the funds to pay for treatment of their injuries. Yet, some employees do not know this is an option. Others are unsure what to do to gain access. Still others believe they could lose their job for filing a claim. As an employer, you need proper employee notification and information in place. 

What Are Your Employee Rights? 
Most of the time, employers must carry workers compensation insurance. It covers the worker’s injuries if they suffer an injury on the job. This type of protection applies to almost any injury occurring as the result of work responsibilities. 

Be sure to provide information about the coverage. All employees should learn about it during on-boarding. Teach new hires about this coverage. They should know who to turn to in the event they need to file a claim. 

How Should They Get Help? 
Having knowledge of the policy is a good thing. But protection does not stop there.  

Make sure you create a training program to teach employees what to do when they suffer an injury. Key components of this may include the following: 

• Who should they report the injury to? This should be the manager on duty.
• Where should they go for help in a non-emergency situation? In an emergency, teach them to call 911.
• What do they need to do to file a claim? Most often, this includes documenting the incident. It also means gathering information on a form. Provide information on where these forms are.
• What about the insurer? Make sure employees know your insurance agent may contact them. You will share their information and what occurred with the insurer.
• What about costs? Be sure your employees know your policy will cover all claims related to work injuries. Never promise coverage. Your insurer will verify coverage with the employee. 

It is also important to communicate this is the employee’s right. You will not (and cannot) fire them for filing a workers compensation claim. It is illegal to do so. Be sure they understand there will be no retaliation for filing a claim. 

Share this information with your entire team. This includes your management team. After all, workers compensation helps minimize risks to both employees and employers. It is an important service your employees need to know how to use.