We have often heard the saying ‘accidents happen’, and this is true. No matter the situation you find yourself in or where you are, be it at the business place or at home, there is always the possibility that accidents can occur. It is therefore important to handle them appropriately when they do.
If you own a store or you are a customer, there are many ways you can be exposed to accidents on the premises. The most common cause of people sustaining an injury in a store is through sloppiness or negligence on the part of the staff or management.
We have provided a number of simple steps you can take so you can efficiently handle accidents in your store.
Care for the Injured Person First
The safety of your customers or your employees comes first, and getting an injured person immediate treatment is vital. When an emergency arises, call the emergency services immediately.
In non-emergency situations, provide the transport to take the injured person to a medical care facility. Your appointed insurance provider, your employees’ benefits carrier or the walk-in clinic near the site of the accident can all be consulted.
Secure the Scene
It is vital to secure the scene of any serious accidents as fast as possible for investigative purposes. To be able to prevent more accidents such as slips, trips and falls in your store, you need to limit the access to the scene. Then you can secure any equipment that was involved in the accident.
Follow Through with Paperwork and Communication
It is in the interest of the business owner to maintain open communication with the injured individual, the doctor, the claims adjuster and the insurance agent. This process will speed up the claims the person is entitled to start the shop injury compensation claims and to receive any necessary funds to pay for treatment.
Conduct an Investigation
The relevant authorities such as The Ministry of Labour, the JHSC and the police may all conduct their investigations concurrently to find the cause of the accident. Your role as an employer or the store owner is to work with these relevant authorities so they can make their findings and to provide them with any documentation they request to conclude their investigation successfully.
Show Care
If a person is injured in your store, it is important to communicate concern and care by letting the injured person know that their well-being is foremost in your mind. Let the injured person know you are truly sympathetic by visiting and offering words of encouragement. Make a one-on-one connection, and be sincere.
Prevent Future Issues
Finally, preventing further injuries from happening in your store is your job. Use what you have learned from an accident situation and develop different ideas to eliminate risks and reduce shortcomings. Also, have solid public liability insurance in place. This is the only sure way you can protect your business, your employees and your customers.
The Bottom Line
Employers or store owners are responsible for influencing various factors that contribute to an injured worker’s levels of satisfaction, return-to-work outcome, confidence and successful claims.
By always prioritising safety, maintaining a solid relationship with a health provider and making adequate plans for transitional jobs, store owners can be positioned to efficiently and effectively handle work-related injuries should they occur.
Leave a Reply