Handling Workplace Accidents: What Steps Should You Take When a Worker Is Involved?

I want to know what the process is to handle any accidents involving a worker in an organization.

Regards,
Ritu

In addition to the points mentioned by Sh. Sai Kumar, some labor laws also provide for the provision of Emergency Help (First Aid in the factory/unit premises) to workers in the event of accidents.

Accident Reporting Requirements

Some enactments also require the submission of Accident Reports to the appropriate authorities, such as the Branch Manager of ESIC, as well as to the Factory Inspector as laid down under respective laws. The provisions of such enactments/labor laws should be complied with so that employees or their dependents are in a position to claim various benefits available under said laws.

Regards;

If I have understood your query correctly, I presume that you are interested in steps to be taken in case of an accident that happens on the unit premises. If yes, I would suggest the following based on my practical knowledge. These suggestions are for major accidents.

1. Go to the accident site and assess the situation. If the workers are upset, calm them down and reassure them that the management will take care of the injured employee, whether it involves their treatment by the best available medical experts or providing financial assistance for emergencies.

2. Arrange for a doctor to be called or for the injured individual to be taken to the hospital for first aid and treatment.

3. Report the injury/accident to higher authorities and the relevant departments as required by the rules applicable to your establishment.

4. In the unfortunate event that the employee has passed away either on the spot or during treatment, first notify the family members and offer your sincere condolences. Organize a dignified funeral for the deceased. If the family wishes to transport the body to their native place, if feasible, seek approval from higher management as the death resulted from an accident. This will enhance the management's reputation in the eyes of the employees.

5. Initiate the process for the payment of Employee Compensation and other terminal benefits as per the applicable law. Some industries offer compassionate employment in such cases; if applicable, start the process for employing one dependent. While paperwork may involve formalities, convey the message that the management is committed to settling the dues promptly. This communication itself will make a significant impact.

If you maintain honesty in your approach, you will succeed.

Regards,
AK Jain
HR Personnel
NCL, CIL

Sir,

Primarily, I believe all you need is a good safety and health program. This is where you can readily identify hazards in your workplace and find ways to prevent and control them so that no accidents occur on the job site. A good safety program should be tailored to the work environment, which is always dependent on the nature of the work. Although it may seem complicated, you can hire a safety and health professional to develop the program and ensure it is monitored for compliance by both the employer and the employees. In your case, perhaps you can find someone knowledgeable about the job who is well-versed in the subject. Ultimately, this is a continued commitment to creating a safer and accident-free workplace.

Regards,
NBAton
Project Civil Engineer
MG 8600 Air Separation Plant
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Phils., Inc.

If you want to know how to prevent accidents in the workplace, I would like to second NB Aton's suggestion to bring in a safety expert to conduct a program for employees on accident prevention in the workplace.

Regards,
B. Saikumar

Arun Jain and Sai Kumar have provided a brief action plan to be taken after an accident. If you want to prevent it, then consider regular HSE training for employees at each level on a regular basis.

Regards,
Capt. Rajeshwar Singh

Informing Local Authorities in Case of Employee Death

Another important thing to do in case of the death of an employee inside the factory premises is to never forget to inform the local headman or important persons of the area where the factory is situated. Always maintain a good relationship with the local people.