Objective: To ensure every IWS employee understands the correct response steps to take if they or a coworker are injured, minimizing harm and ensuring proper treatment.
1. Emergency Injuries
- Immediate Response: In case of an emergency injury (e.g., severe bleeding, unconsciousness), call 911 immediately.
- Assess the Scene: Before approaching, make sure the area is safe. Prevent further harm by ensuring no one else gets hurt during the response.
- Stay with the Injured: Stay with the injured and provide first aid services to manage immediate threats until emergency services arrives.
2. Non-Emergency Injuries
- Notify your supervisor so they are aware of the injury
- Notify WorkCare: For non-emergency injuries, contact WorkCare immediately. The WorkCare phone number is posted on the homepage of the IWS Safety Support Center at www.iws.support.
- Why WorkCare?:
- Professional Guidance: They assess the injury and provide appropriate care recommendations.
- First Aid or Medical Treatment: They’ll guide self-care for minor injuries or recommend medical treatment if needed and provide the appropriate care facilities.
- WorkCare understands the different state requirements and will manage accordingly.
3. Incident Notification Process
- Supervisor's Role: Once WorkCare has been notified, the direct supervisor must complete an Incident Notification form.
- Where to Find the Form: This form is in the Safety tab at www.iws.support.
- Need Help?: Supervisors can contact the Safety Department if assistance is needed in completing the form.
- Notifications: Once submitted, the form automatically notifies the Regional Vice President (RVP) to ensure proper follow-up and record-keeping.
4. Why Report All Injuries?
- Injuries shall be reported so that the company can be sure that the injury is properly treated according to labor laws.
- Report All Injuries to WorkCare: No injury is too minor! Even a small blister should be reported.
- Example: Recently, an employee had a minor blister but did not contact WorkCare, choosing instead to self-treat. The wound became infected, resulting in a lost time injury. Proper reporting would have provided care instructions that prevented infection and lost work time.
Key Takeaways
- In an emergency, call 911.
- In non-emergencies, call WorkCare at 888-449-7787 for proper guidance and care.
By following these procedures, we can ensure every injury is managed correctly, minimizing harm and downtime. Safety is our priority, and timely response to injuries is a key part of keeping everyone healthy and protected on the job.
Remember: When in doubt, report the injury. WorkCare is here to help!