What are the steps to take if an employee is injured on the job in Pennsylvania?
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If an employee is injured on the job in Pennsylvania, there are several important steps that employers must take to ensure compliance with state law and protect the rights of their workers.
First, the employer should provide immediate medical attention to the injured employee. If the injury is serious or life-threatening, the employer should call 911 or take the injured employee to the nearest emergency room. If the injury is less severe, the employer should provide first aid and arrange for the injured employee to be transported to a medical facility for further treatment.
Next, the employer should report the injury to their workers' compensation insurance carrier within the required time frame. In Pennsylvania, employers are required to report workplace injuries to their insurance carrier within 21 days of the date of the injury. This report must be made in writing and should include details about the injury and the circumstances surrounding it.
The injured employee should also be notified of their right to file a workers' compensation claim. In Pennsylvania, injured workers have up to 120 days from the date of the injury to file a workers' compensation claim. Employers should provide the injured employee with a claim form and ensure that it is completed and submitted on time.
Additionally, employers are required to post a notice in a conspicuous location in the workplace that includes information about workers' compensation benefits and the procedures for reporting workplace injuries. This notice should be posted in a place where all employees can easily see it.
If there are any disputes or disagreements about the workers' compensation claim, the injured employee may need to hire an attorney to represent them. Employers should provide the injured employee with information about their right to legal representation and ensure that they are not retaliated against for exercising this right.
It's important to note that there are some exemptions to the workers' compensation requirement in Pennsylvania. For example, some agricultural workers and independent contractors may not be covered under the law. Employers should consult with an attorney to determine whether their business is exempt from the workers' compensation requirement and what other legal obligations they may have in the event of a workplace injury.
