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Workplace Health & Safety Policies & Procedures

While it is common to suffer from a minor injury while on the job, it is important to do everything possible to prevent workplace injuries and other health issues. Many companies have safety policies and procedures to assist workers injured in the workplace and to help prevent other injuries. These policies and procedures exist to prevent health hazards and to help with insurance issues in case an emergency does arise.

  1. Report Injuries Or IIlness To Supervisor

    • In the event of a workplace injury or an illness on the job, it is important that you report the situation immediately to your direct supervisor. The supervisor can see that you receive immediate medical attention or are allowed to leave to see your personal doctor. Your supervisor will also be able to assess if any injury was a result of equipment malfunction or negligence on the part of the company and help you to arrange for worker's compensation insurance if your injury requires you to be out of work for an extended period of time.

    Discuss Problems With Human Resources

    • In the workplace workers sometimes have disagreements with each other or a potentially stressful situation can arise that does not allow you to complete your work to company standards. These and other personal issues can be discussed in confidence with your company's human resources department. These individuals work to make sure that your workplace is a safe and healthy environment, both mentally and physically. Speaking with someone in this department may also help you to avoid disciplinary action if your personal or mental health has affected your job performance and you have felt unable to communicate directly with your supervisor. The human resources department can act on your behalf with the supervisor and, if necessary, intercede with the company on your behalf in the event that your mental or physical well-being is challenged.

    Communicate With Employer About Extended Sick Leave

    • Many companies offer their employees an allotted number of sick-leave days. The number of days may vary depending on your salary structure and how long you have been with the company. Often a company will give an employee a few paid sick days and more unpaid sick days with the option to take a leave of absence in the event that your health issue cannot be resolved in the allotted number of days. An employee usually does not have to give advance notice when taking a sick day unless using the time to go to the doctor as the days are meant to be used on an emergency basis. Many employers will require that an employee bring a note from their doctor's office upon returning to work to prove that they were legitimately ill and are physically able to return to work.

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