What to do if an employee is injured on the job
When dealing with a workplace illness or injury, there are important steps you need to take as an employer to protect your employee, yourself and your business. These 10 steps align with a Best Practices model for dealing with injuries on the job.
First and foremost, make sure your employee is comfortable and provided with first aid or directed to the closest health care facility.
Using a best practices approach, gather all information related to the incident to understand the cause and effect resulting in the injury.
If the employee has sought health care, report to the WSIB using a Form 7 within three days of learning about the health care attention. You can submit this form by phone, mail, fax or online. Submitting online will ensure the shortest waiting time.
Reach out to your employee as soon as possible after the incident. While you can’t ask personal questions, it’s important to express care and concern for his or her well-being.
Continue to stay in touch throughout your employee’s recovery, whether at work or home. Communication is important. Check-in regularly and be sensitive to your employee’s workplace and recovery needs during this time.
Respond to any WSIB requests for information thoroughly and quickly. You may be asked to submit information about the employee’s recovery and return to work.
Use the WSIB FAF Form to gather functional information and review the availability of “safe” work. Communicate, verbally and in writing, any new duties/tasks available for the employee to perform.
Take an active role in the return-to-work process. It’s important to be reasonable and co-operate – remember the goal is to help your employee return to their job in a safe and comfortable way. Keep in mind that not co-operating could result in a fine.
Let the WSIB know if you have any disagreements with your employee about returning to work.
Engage a paralegal that specializes in WSIB claims. Having someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of the WSIB process can make all the difference.
Whether your company deals with numerous WSIB claims annually or you simply need advice for one specific case – I’m here to help.
Find more information at wsib.ca or catherinelandgren.com