As a company grows, it is critical that ownership and top management ensure that employees stay safe while working as efficiently as possible. First, it is a good idea to assess any and all possible ways that an employee or another individual could get physically injured. For instance, extra precautions may need to be taken to protect a business traveler or to reduce the odds of a slip-and-fall accident from occurring.
Business owners should also look into how employees interact with one another. For example, an owner might want to consider if a laid back attitude could lead to conflict either in the workplace or outside of the office. Stress or the lack of having a confidential reporting program in place may impact an employee’s emotional well-being as well as his or her physical health. During times of growth, for instance, employers may ask employees to undertake assignments that they lack the training or expertise to complete safely.
While a safety program should be implemented, it is also important to understand why employees are ignoring safety practices. Knowing why this may occur makes it easier to craft a plan that they will follow and reduce their risk of getting hurt.
If an employee suffers a workplace injury, he or she may be entitled to compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits may replace a portion of an injured worker’s salary or pay for medical bills. If an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company refuses to pay out a claim, it may be a good idea to talk to an attorney. Legal counsel may be helpful in filing such claims within the appropriate timeframe as well as with gathering the right documentation to provide as evidence.
