Supporting Survivors after On-the-Job Injuries and Deaths

Summary

The article provides guidance for employers on supporting staff after workplace injuries or deaths, emphasizing immediate action, site security, and emotional support for survivors.

Abstract

The article titled "Supporting Survivors after On-the-Job Injuries and Deaths" addresses the critical steps employers should take following a workplace incident resulting in injury or death. It underscores the importance of immediate emergency response and family notification, suggesting that employers should be the ones to inform the family before any other entity. The article also advises on securing the incident site for investigation and stresses the need for emotional support for other employees, including the possibility of closing the workplace for a day and offering counseling services. It highlights the potential for long-term psychological impact, such as survivor guilt, and the necessity of ongoing support to help employees cope and recover.

Opinions

The article conveys that it is the employer's responsibility to handle the difficult task of notifying the family of the affected employee.
It suggests that the definition of family may be broader than traditional and that employers should be respectful and inclusive of non-traditional relationships.
The article opines that securing the incident site quickly is crucial for maintaining the integrity of any subsequent investigations.
It emphasizes the importance of considering the emotional well-being of other employees, not just those directly affected by the incident.
The article advocates for the provision of professional counseling, potentially making it mandatory for employees returning to their positions, to address the psychological aftermath of a workplace tragedy.
It acknowledges the potential depth and duration of survivor guilt and the need for proper intervention to aid in recovery from trauma.
The author believes in the value of ongoing communication and support, offering additional resources and inviting readers to connect for further inspiration and guidance.

Industrial accidents, or even an employee who has a heart attack and dies while on the job, are traumatic situations for both co-workers and family members. Worse still are homicides that occur in the workplace.

Could it happen at your company? Consider these statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: In 2018, private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. The same year, 5,250 workers died from a work-related injury and 453 workers died by homicide while at work.

Accidents can happen anywhere, any time. Be prepared to deal with the event itself and the long-term impact on survivors.

When an incident occurs, the first step is, of course, to seek immediate emergency assistance for the individual and notify their family. It’s better if the employer can reach the family before the hospital, a law enforcement agency or other source does.

The responsibility for this difficult task belongs to the business owner or a senior manager. Explain what has happened and assist the family members in getting to the hospital or other location. Assign a company representative to stay with the family to provide support and assistance.

Keep in mind that the definition of family may extend beyond the traditional spouse, parents, siblings and children.

Be sure your emergency contact information files are current and respect any non-traditional relationships the victim may have.

Assist workplace survivors

Equally important is to deal with the impact of the situation on other employees. If you have a severe on-the-job injury or an on-the-job death, consider closing down for the day. Then monitor employees for possible emotional reactions that could affect their performance and their own workplace safety.

Offer counseling to help employees deal with their feelings, fears, and grief. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may choose to make counseling mandatory before allowing employees to return to certain positions (check with a labor attorney to make sure you can legally implement such a policy).

Keep in mind that survivor guilt can be deep-rooted with long-lasting effects. Individuals may struggle with feelings of “it could have (or should have) been me” or even “I should have been able to prevent it,” causing far-reaching psychological distress that can impact every aspect of their lives.

You cannot undo a tragedy once it has occurred, but with support and proper intervention, you can strengthen your own and your employees’ ability to cope with and recover from the trauma of a workplace accident.

This article was originally published on my site at CreateTeachInspire.com. You can reach me there or email me at [email protected]

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Photos by Jerry D. Clement; text added by Jacquelyn Lynn

Supporting Survivors after On-the-Job Injuries and Deaths

It’s every employer’s worst nightmare: an employee is injured or killed at work

Industrial accidents, or even an employee who has a heart attack and dies while on the job, are traumatic situations for both co-workers and family members. Worse still are homicides that occur in the workplace.

Secure the site

Assist workplace survivors

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