What To Do If You Witness A Workplace Accident

On-the-job injuries can affect anyone and it is highly possible that you will suffer from work-related harm in your lifetime or see someone else injured in an accident. You may be familiar with what you should do if you are hurt, but what if your coworker is the one who just got hurt? There are certain things you can do to help a coworker after they have been injured on-the-job. 

Get Them to Safety

After the injury has occurred, the top priority is the safety of the victim or victims. If there are any objects in the way, lift them out of the way. You should also disable any machinery that is causing the injury and make sure your coworker is transferred to a safe place. If they need immediate medical attention, call an ambulance or drive them to the hospital.

Report the Injury, if Necessary

Depending on the severity of the accident, your coworker may be able to report their injury themselves. Even in severe cases, it is likely that they will need to eventually complete their own report of the events. If your coworker is receiving medical attention at the time, you can actually initially report the incident right after your coworker is hurt.

Be Available to Provide Evidence

Workers’ compensation claims don’t always go to trial, but if they do, you may be asked to testify in court if you witnessed the incident. Even if your coworker’s claim does not go to trial and they are involved in settlement negotiations, it is possible that you may be asked to provide your account of the events as evidence. You may be contacted by their attorney, or potentially your employer to give a statement on the accident.

If you have witnessed a workplace accident and you see a coworker being injured, your statement or testimony could determine if your coworker qualifies for workers’ compensation. You and your injured coworker may both need advice on how to navigate this type of situation. Contact one of our certified workers’ compensation specialists today. 

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.