Upholding Legal and Moral Responsibilities to Employees after an Accident At Work

Ethical leadership involves making decisions to meet the best interests of stakeholders without compromising on legal and moral responsibilities that support the rights and welfare of employees.  Employees have a right to be treated fairly and receive certain treatment, especially if they sustain an injury or illness at work. Providing a safe workplace is paramount in order to protect the health and wellbeing of employees.  However, workplace accidents can still occur, not only in high-risk sectors but also in a corporate setting. By keeping accurate and up to date records of any incidents, complying with the legal obligations for workers’ compensation and fostering an open channel of communication, employers can support their workers while at the same time minimizing the risk of further accident and injury.

Keeping Reliable Records of Accidents and Injuries

As noted at philly-injury-law.com, the personal injury claims process involves a thorough investigation of the accident.  This can be made easier with access to detailed notes such as the time, date and location of the incident, witness statements and any other supporting evidence. As well as providing accurate documentation for an employee’s potential claim, properly maintained records can be used by employers to identify hazards and modify safety practices in order to prevent future accidents and injuries.  In the US, records of accidents must be kept for a minimum of 5 years and a summary of any injuries and illnesses from the previous year must be posted on an annual basis. With accurate and up-to-date records employees are better protected and, if applicable, the parties responsible for an accident are more likely to be held accountable.

 

Planning for Compensation Payments

As well as meeting legal requirements, accurate records can also be helpful when dealing with insurance companies and meeting the often short time limit for reporting accidents. Employers are typically obliged to compensate workers if they suffer an injury at work and while some companies can easily cover lost wages and medical expenses, workers’ compensation insurance can help smaller companies to cover this expenditure. 

Accepting A Duty of Care to Employees

As well as taking care of practical legalities, employers have a duty of care towards their employees and a moral obligation to treat them fairly and with transparency. After an accident or injury at work, fostering unambiguous, consistent and empathic communications can help ensure that employees continue to feel valued and supported throughout the recovery process. Providing staff with an open channel of communication will enable them to give feedback on their accident and to access the legal, financial and emotional support they may need in order to make a full recovery. 

While ensuring workplace safety should be a priority for employers, accidents and injuries can still occur. Accurate record keeping can aid investigations and prevent future incidents while workers’ compensation insurance allows employers to promptly cover essential costs where necessary. Throughout the process, fostering open channels of communication will help to reassure workers and prepare them for a return to work after an accident.