What to Do When an Employee Gets Hurt at Work: A Helpful Guide for Leaders
Workplace safety is always a priority, but unexpected injuries are sometimes unavoidable. As a leader, how you respond in the moment matters, for your employee’s well-being and for your company’s compliance. Here’s a guide to help you know what to do.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Basic First Aid: If the injury can be handled with simple care (like cleaning a small cut, applying a bandage, using an ice pack, or over-the-counter medication), you can treat it onsite. These cases are considered first aid only and typically don’t require further reporting. A good rule of thumb is if the injury can be fully treated with supplies from your onsite first aid kit, it’s considered “first aid” and usually doesn’t require additional medical attention. Always use your best judgement, and listen to your employees needs.
Medical Attention Needed: If the injury is more serious such as requiring stitches, prescription medication, x-rays, or a doctor’s care, we encourage your employee to seek medical treatment right away. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Lately, we’ve seen employees get quick care through local urgent care centers. Employers can even establish a relationship with a nearby urgent care so employer information is already on file, making Workers’ Comp reporting faster and easier.
Step 2: Document the Incident
No matter how minor, always document what happened.
Complete an internal incident report noting the date, time, location, and details of the injury.
If medical treatment is needed, the employer must complete the state’s First Report of Injury form, available on your specific state’s Department of Labor or Workers’ Compensation Board website (or through your carrier’s portal). This form should be filed within the required timeframe, often 24–72 hours, to ensure compliance and avoid delays in benefits.
Step 3: Notify Workers’ Comp
If medical attention is involved:
Contact your workers’ compensation broker or carrier as soon as possible with the details. Provide them with your report and the employee’s information so they can open a claim and begin supporting the employee directly.
You may continue paying the employee for missed hours worked, but workers’ comp will commonly help cover medical bills and additional lost wages.
Step 4: Understand OSHA Requirements
OSHA has different rules depending on the severity of the injury:
First Aid Only: Not recordable on your OSHA 300 log.
Medical Treatment Beyond First Aid: Must be recorded on your OSHA 300 log if it results in medical treatment, lost time, restricted duty, or job transfer.
Severe Cases: Fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, or many other severe cases must be reported directly to OSHA within 8–24 hours. When you are unsure if this is required to be reported directly to OSHA, contact your wokers' comp broker for this guidance.
Step 5: Follow Up & Support the Employee
Check in with your employee after the incident. A simple follow-up shows care, supports morale, and may help prevent future injuries. Continue to work directly with your broker to provide all information and documentation needed, including assessing the return to work plan.
Helpful Tip for Leaders: Keep an OSHA-compliant fully stocked first aid kit in a clearly marked and accessible location. Post a simple injury response process (who to notify, where to log the injury, and when to call workers’ comp) so your team knows exactly what to do in the moment.
