Should I Call 911 After a Workplace Accident in Chicago?
A workplace accident in Chicago can be traumatic and shocking. Victims and witnesses may be unsure of what to do, even if they have received training on how to respond. What if you witness a co-worker suffering an injury at work? How do you determine whether the injury is severe enough to warrant a 911 call? What if you suffer an injury yourself? Will you get in trouble if you call 911? These are all valid questions.
OSHA’s Guidelines on 911 Calls
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has its own guidelines on 911 calls after workplace accidents. OSHA states that if you become injured at work, your first step should be to notify your supervisor. If you have no supervisor, they’re not available, or you can’t get their attention, you can call 911. You might also leave the workplace on your own and directly seek medical attention.
For example, you might drive yourself to the hospital. If a supervisor isn’t available for whatever reason, you might not need to notify anyone of your next move. However, it is probably a good idea to tell at least one co-worker what is going on, as this could help you prove that your injuries are real at a later date. Regardless, your employer is legally required to notify OSHA within 24 hours if you had to spend the night at a hospital, you lost an eye, or you underwent an amputation.
When in Doubt, Call 911
It is important to realize that these are only guidelines. If you’re worried about your injuries and you feel the need to call 911, you should not hesitate to do so. The same logic applies if you witness someone else suffering an injury. Sometimes, there isn’t enough time to locate a supervisor and inform them of the situation, even if they are only a few minutes away. Blood loss and other concerns might require immediate attention from paramedics, and every second counts.
You should also call 911 if you’re not sure about the extent of your injuries, but you fear they might be more serious than they appear. Head injuries are notoriously difficult to self-diagnose. Perhaps you received a knock to the head, and you feel fine. But a small voice inside your head might be warning you about the injury you have just experienced. Head injuries can be much worse than they initially feel or appear. Immediate treatment is always a smart choice, and testing might be required to rule out brain bleeds and other concerns.
A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help After a Chicago Workplace Accident
If you have suffered some kind of workplace accident at a Chicago workplace, you have the right to call 911 if you believe your injuries represent an emergency. It is best to err on the side of caution, and your manager cannot retaliate against you for making the call. Once your injuries stabilize, consider contacting an experienced Chicago workers’ comp attorney for further guidance. Call Connolly Injury Law today for more answers.
Source:
osha.gov/workers#whatifinjured
