Factory Accidents: How Should HR Handle Reporting and Employee Support?

Dear Seniors, In case we have an accident (major or minor) in our factory premises and an employee is injured, I have the following queries from an HR perspective (apart from company policy):

1. Which statutory bodies should we inform?
2. How can we ensure our employees receive maximum benefits in such cases?
3. What are the obligations of HR and the company in accident cases?

Thank you.

Accident Reporting and Employee Benefits

In case of any accident that results in a 48-hour break in work for the employee, the accident must be reported to the factory inspector. The accident venue must be barricaded, and work in that area must cease. Work can resume after obtaining clearance from the Factory Inspector.

Which Statutory Bodies Should We Inform?

The Factory Inspector must be notified about the accident. For compensation, it should also be reported to the Workmen's Compensation Commissioner, who will calculate and advise you on submitting the compensation amount. The nearest Police Station should also be notified by serving a copy of the form submitted at the Factory Inspector's Office.

How Can We Maximize Benefits for Our Employees in Such Cases?

Employees will receive benefits if the injury results in disability (temporary or permanent, partial or total) lasting more than 48 hours. In such cases, compensation must be paid according to the calculation of the Workmen's Compensation Commissioner, and it will be disbursed by the Commissioner to the victim.

In case the factory is covered under ESI, it should be informed within 24 hours to the ESI office and within 48 hours to the factory inspector's office. As for informing the police, only if the accident is of a fatal nature, it should be reported to the police station, mainly in the case of death.

The accident should be recorded in the ESI accident book as well as the register of dangerous occurrences (Factory Act). If the ESI covers the patient or the deceased worker, they are eligible to receive ESI pension in case of permanent disablement.

Regards,
Rajeev Dixit

We are operating from Gurgaon, Haryana. What is the address of the WC commissioner to whom we should approach?