Construction is a perilous industry. Workers and managers alike are bound to witness at least one incident during their careers. And that begs the question: what should you do if you're a witness to a jobsite incident? Your action—or inaction—could be the difference between the victim getting the medical care, compensation, and recovery support they need or not. Here's what to do if someone gets injured on a construction site and you're there to see it.
Provide Medical Care
If a team member suffers an on-site injury, the first thing you need to do is provide medical care. Call 911 immediately. While you wait for first responders to arrive on site, attempt to administer first aid. The emergency call operator can provide instructions on how to properly treat the injured person.
Depending on the type of injury and its severity, you may need to administer CPR or treat wounds using items from a first aid kit. Jobsite first aid kits are highly beneficial to have as a result. Per OSHA, they're also mandatory. There should be an ANSI-approved first aid kit, such as an IFAK kit, on every construction site. If you don't know where to find this kit, a coworker or supervisor can help you locate it.
Document the Scene
The next thing you should do if someone gets injured on a construction site is document the scene. If you're a manager, you have a legal obligation to report the incident to OSHA officials.
If you're just a fellow contractor, documenting the scene isn't necessary, but it can help your coworker get compensation for their injury down the line. Take notes on the incident. When did it occur? Where did it occur? What was the cause? If you have your phone on hand, try to snap a few photos of the victim’s injuries, the accident location, and any equipment or tools involved. The victim will need to report the incident to their supervisor themselves and hire their own attorney. But having this additional information, along with a witness statement from you and anyone else present at the scene of the accident, will help their case immensely.
Check In on the Victim
The period succeeding a workplace injury can be painful, stressful, and lonely for victims. Whether you're a manager or a coworker, consider checking in on them during the recovery phase.
Managers can ease anxiety by providing injured workers with pay during their recovery, even if it’s only partial. This way, they won't have to worry about supporting their families. Additionally, you should reassure injured workers that they still have a job waiting for them once they get back on their feet. Let them know you’ll provide them with the assistance they need to reintegrate upon their return. This will show the worker that you care about them and see them as more than just a number.
Coworkers can brighten an injured worker's day by sending a simple "get better" text or card. And if you're close to them, they'll surely appreciate your concern and be glad they have a friend to talk to while cooped up in the hospital or at home.
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