Responding To Injuries And Accidents

Despite good management and controls, someone may be injured while on your property. Should this occur, respond in a manner that attends to the victim, but also guards against unwarranted liability.

• Help the injured person to remain calm and contact emergency services if needed.
• Obtain the facts surrounding the accident.
• Note the condition of the person's clothing and footwear, in case this may have contributed to the accident.
• Determine if the victim has any physical impairment.
• Look for signs of alcohol or drug intoxication.
• If possible, take a photo of the accident scene as soon as possible.
• Fill out an accident report, noting weather conditions, lighting, activity at time of accident, type of injury, etc. Add information on conditions of property, which may be related to the accident scene, as soon as possible.

First Aid

First aid kits should be fully stocked, strategically located, and properly maintained. Never give more than immediate, temporary care.

By requiring that all employees report immediately for treatment when injured, regardless of the extent of the injury, much headway can be gained in reducing infection and injury, and avoiding false claims of injury.

Recommended materials for first aid kits are listed in Canadian Red Cross first aid textbooks. Suggestions are also available from the Canadian Medical Association.

Equipment and supplies should be chosen in accordance with the recommendations of a physician, and service should be rendered only as covered by written, physician-approved standard procedures. First aid attendants should be duly qualified and certified by the Canadian Red Cross.

Emergency Medical Plan

A pre-arranged medical plan should be established. Many local hospitals and doctors are available for this service.

Employees should be trained on how to respond to an emergency (fire, flood, earthquake, injury, etc.). Phone numbers for emergency services should be prominently displayed near all telephones. And an emergency response plan should be established with specific duties assigned to key personnel in order to protect both lives and property.

Keep emergency telephone numbers and employee medical emergency forms accessible at all times:

• State Farm Agent
• Police Department
• Fire Department
• Poison Control
• Security/Alarm Installer
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Heating Contractor
• Commercial Cleanup
• Contractor(s)
• Glass Company
• Other...

Train staff to contact emergency phone numbers and to follow emergency procedures.