Following company procedures when injured on the job or performing work-related responsibilities offsite is a must. It can make a difference in accountability for compensation of damage, medical expense retribution, company policy changes, and possible civil and criminal lawsuits that may occur.
Company orientation would be the best time to review procedures to be followed an accident book at work. Even better, the process of a required periodic review of procedure listed in an accident at work book along the lines of a fire drill or unannounced inspection should be mandatory.
However, even if careful attention is paid toward employer’s procedures, the surprise, discomfort of any injuries sustained, and the distraction of commotion caused surrounding the incident can make the simplest, most obvious details forgotten in an instant.
Obviously, if the accident involves injury, medical assistance should be sought immediately. A buddy system could be set up so that if one party is injured, the other person can contact an on-site medical clinic or call 911 for paramedic help or transport to a hospital.
All other steps in accident at work procedure need to be adhered to so that the facts of the incident are recorded properly, insurance companies and/or law enforcement are correctly and properly informed, and immediate action regarding any company policies that need to be revised can take place.