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When an employee gets hurt at work, what does the employer need to do next? For Texas businesses with workers’ compensation insurance, responding to the injury is only the first step. Employers also need to document what happened, understand reporting requirements, and stay involved as the employee recovers. A clear process can make a difficult situation easier to manage for everyone involved.
What Should an Employer Do First After a Workplace Injury?
Start by addressing the employee’s medical needs and any immediate hazard that could put others at risk. Once the situation is under control, document what happened, including when and where the injury occurred, what the employee was doing, and whether anyone witnessed the incident.
Keep the information factual. Incident reports, photographs, witness information, and other records can help establish a clear account of what occurred and provide useful information for the claim.
When Should a Workers’ Compensation Claim Be Reported?
Texas has specific requirements for employers that carry workers’ compensation coverage. According to the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), an employer must file DWC Form-001 with its insurance carrier within eight days after an employee becomes unable to work for more than one day because of an injury. A work-related disease or death must be reported immediately.
The employer must also provide the employee with a copy of the completed DWC Form-001 and the Employee’s Rights and Responsibilities when the form is filed. DWC advises employers to check with their insurance carrier to determine which reporting methods are available.
Workers’ compensation reporting is also separate from federal requirements. Under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordkeeping and reporting rules, many employers with more than 10 employees must maintain records of recordable work-related injuries and illnesses, although certain industries are exempt. All employers must notify OSHA within eight hours of a work-related fatality and within 24 hours of a work-related in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye.
What Happens After the Claim Is Reported?
The employer may need to provide additional information as the claim develops. In Texas, a doctor who examines an injured employee should send the employer a DWC Form-073 Work Status Report explaining what type of work the employee can perform.
Work restrictions can become particularly important when the employee is ready to return. Texas DWC describes return to work as a shared responsibility and advises employers to find meaningful work for an injured employee while following modified-duty restrictions from the healthcare provider.
Depending on those restrictions, an employer may be able to adjust duties rather than waiting until the employee can resume every part of the regular job.
Use Claims Information to Strengthen the Workers’ Comp Program
Individual claims can also reveal where a business may need to take a closer look at workplace exposures. Transparity Insurance Services reviews past results to identify areas for improvement, and our insurance company partners can assist with loss control, safety and accident investigation programs, and return-to-work programs.
Claims handling is also part of the larger cost picture. Transparity recommends prompt claim handling as one strategy businesses can consider when looking for ways to lower workers’ comp premiums.
Having established reporting procedures, carrier contact information, and internal responsibilities before an injury occurs can make the process easier to navigate. Contact Transparity Insurance Services to discuss workers’ compensation insurance and how your business approaches workplace injuries and claims.
About Transparity Insurance Services
Transparity Insurance Services was founded for the purpose of helping clients to insure their property and assets with no hassle. We are committed to providing a simple, easy, efficient, and positive experience to all of our clients and prioritize open and transparent communication. Through our excellent customer service and technology, we can help you find the right insurance program at a competitive price. Contact us today at (855) 889-2037 to learn more about what we can do for you.