Safety at work has taken on an increasingly active role in companies, but there is still a long way to go and accidents at work remain a constant concern.
In this article, we tackle the crucial question of what to do in the event of an accident at work, explaining the procedure to follow to ensure an effective response.
We also answer one of the most frequently asked questions in the event of an accident: who is responsible for paying the salary during the period of absence due to the accident?
Accident at work: what’s the procedure?
The procedure to be followed in the event of an accident at work will always have to be documented and will always have to be based on an internal company procedure, which will have its own specific guidelines for these situations.
However, regardless of the type and severity of the injury, the accident must be systematically reported to the line manager so that there is a record of the incident within the company.
This safeguards the employee’s personal situation, safeguards the company and will always be proof that the situation was witnessed.
It can also serve as the basis for a later referral, possibly to the insurance company’s clinical services.
This is particularly important in situations that may occur on the eve of weekends, or close to the vacation period, among others.
From then on, the situation of the accident at work is monitored by the insurer’s clinical services, which can work with local clinics for less serious situations, or possibly with more central clinical services, where it will be much easier and quicker to access differentiated and specialized care, depending on the type of seriousness of the accident at work.
How does workers’ compensation work during treatment for an accident at work?
In the event of an accident at work, there is always the question of how compensation will be paid to the worker.
Will the company pay?
Will the insurance company?
During the entire time of an accident at work, if the person remains in a situation of ITA (Absolute Temporary Incapacity), in which they are unable to work at all, the insurance company is responsible for the salary.
There are complex calculations here that take into account the basic value of the salary, remuneration, meal allowances, vacation allowances and so on.
There are a series of complex calculations that will always be worked out between the company’s human resources and the insurance company.
Similarly, during the follow-up of the claim, if there is a situation of ITP (Temporary Partial Incapacity), the calculations are made in the same way.
Example of a practical situation:
The employee is returning to work with an ITP of 30%, for example.
In this case, 70% of their salary will be covered by the employer and the remaining 30% by the insurance company.
Preventing accidents at work: measures to adopt
Trying to prevent accidents at work is an essential priority for guaranteeing the safety and well-being of workers in any professional environment.
Implementing prevention measures can significantly reduce the risk of incidents such as:
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Investing in ongoing training for workers, ensuring that they are aware of the safety procedures specific to their working environment;
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Maintaining a clean and organized workplace is essential, minimizing obstacles and potential sources of danger;
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Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is imperative in sectors where there are specific risks;
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Promote a safety culture that encourages open communication about concerns and suggestions;
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Regular risk assessments and the implementation of corrective measures.
Safety at work: a right, but also a duty
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Participate in health and safety training provided by the company;
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Use the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the company correctly;
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Keeping the work environment organized and clean;
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Follow the safety rules and procedures established by the company;
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Immediately report any dangerous or abnormal conditions to the supervisor or safety department;
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Participating in investigations into incidents and accidents at work;
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Cooperate with the company to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
Remember that health and safety at work is a shared responsibility between employers and workers.
Everyone must do their part to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
Among SEPRI’s many objectives, we highlight the formation of increasingly safe and healthy companies.
We provide external occupational safety services and are certified for all sectors of activity.
Ask us for a quote: comunicacao@sepri.pt
Download our infographic on accidents at work.
Read also: Occupational Health and Safety Braga: what should your company guarantee?
