Responding to Worker Injuries

An employer’s response to worker injuries plays a vital role in supporting recovery. Employers’ efforts can either positively or negatively impact return-to-work outcomes, including the time it takes for your worker to recover. Workplace injuries vary, requiring employers to tailor their response

Employer’s Approach

When a worker has a workplace injury, whatever the circumstances, employers are encouraged to provide empathy and support. Adopting a caring approach not only shows compassion, it also fosters trust and cooperation. It is recommended an employer’s response approach should incorporate:

Care: responding promptly with empathy, helps demonstrate that your employee’s well-being is a priority
Reassure your worker that their injury won’t affect their job to ease fears of discrimination or consequences.
Engagement: a supportive response encourages your injured worker to actively participate in their recovery and the return-to-work (RTW) process. Your worker’s engagement is essential for a smooth and successful rehabilitation journey
Support: studies show a proactive and supportive response to workplace injuries is linked to enhanced return-to-work outcomes. Early support accelerates and simplifies return to work.

Important First Steps

When notified of a workplace injury, act quickly and appropriately to protect employees and meet legal obligations. An employer’s immediate steps should include:

Report to SafeWork: In the event of a serious injury/illness or a notifiable incident, immediate action is necessary. Notify SafeWork without delay. Timely reporting allows thorough investigation and helps prevent future incidents.
Notify Your Workers Compensation Insurer: Employers must usually inform their insurer within 48 hours of a work-related injury or illness. While requirements vary by state, prompt notification ensures the worker receives their entitled support and benefits.
Contact Your Injured Worker: Reach out to explain your return-to-work process and available support.

This proactive approach helps mitigate risks and fosters a culture of safety within the workplace.

Next Steps

In addition to the immediate actions required, there are several proactive measures employers can take to support their injured workers effectively:

Offer Support and Information: Inform the injured worker that they will receive support throughout their recovery and return-to-work process. Provide clear guidance on how to make a claim and connect them with resources or individuals who can assist them throughout the process
Empower Supervisors and Managers: Ensure that all supervisors and managers are trained to respond to injury reports with empathy and support, emphasizing the importance of providing reassurance regardless of the circumstances
Involve the Worker in Decision-Making: Whenever feasible, involve the injured worker in decision-making processes, such as determining the need for medical advice or treatment options. This fosters a sense of empowerment and ownership over their recovery journey
Follow-Up: Make arrangements to follow up with the injured worker at appropriate intervals, such as after they have sought medical attention or the following day. This demonstrates ongoing support and concern for their well-being
Communicate Supportively: Ensure that messaging within the workplace conveys genuine concern for the injured individual and reaffirms the organization’s commitment to supporting them in their recovery
Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your workers’ compensation specialists, such as ABILITY GROUP, with questions, concerns, or support needs you may have regarding the claims process or your role in supporting your injured worker

By implementing these proactive measures, employers can create a supportive environment prioritising the well-being and recovery of their injured workers, ultimately fostering a culture of safety and support within the workplace.

Need Help?

Contact our team of allied health and injury management specialists to ensure your worker receives professional support that helps minimise the business, people and financial impacts on your business.