The Importance of Employee Injury Reports (And How to Write One)

Your service technicians face hazards daily, from operating equipment to handling chemicals. Even poor weather or unsafe lifting techniques can result in an employee injury. Fortunately, your emphasis on safe practices backed by ongoing training should reduce risks in and out of your workplace. However, if an injury does occur, it’s important to record the details and write an employee injury report.

Most portable restroom businesses in the US must complete Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) accident forms, but you should also keep internal records. These offer extra space to recommend future prevention measures and note if the incident affects the employee’s safety record. Below, we’ll explain why employee injury reports are essential to your business, how they relate to your safety program, and how to write one.

Employee Injury Reports: Importance and Benefits

OSHA sets rules for workplace safety issues, including reporting requirements. So, accident reporting is necessary to meet compliance standards. Workers’ compensation claims typically require accident reports, as well. And if an employee, former worker, or affected third-party sues, your records — or lack of — may impact your case. However, the importance of employee injury reports extends beyond legal and regulatory factors.

An incident may affect your technician’s safety program status or during a performance review. Accurate records also reveal accident patterns or trends. For example, if your employees have frequent falls or back injuries, you may need to update your safety training, bring it up at your weekly meeting, and take steps to increase awareness. You can also use your reports to see the effectiveness of your efforts.

Set Your Policy and Procedures

Your employee injury report and methods for handling an accident scene should be documented in your company handbook. Get your policies and procedures in place long before there’s even a chance of an accident involving workers. Doing so increases accuracy while reducing your legal risks.

Your safety documents should:

• Define the terms “accident” and “near-miss”
• Outline your reporting methods
• Explain how incidents affect safety incentives
• Detail potential performance review implications
• List your accident investigation procedures
• Describe your report management process

Write a Worker Injury Report

Consistency is key to accident report writing. Even if your portable restroom operation is a startup or has fewer than 10 employees, having an easy-to-use template is a must-have. Plus, don’t forget to explain how to fill it out and provide an example of a completed form.

An employee accident report should include:

• Name of the injured employee
• Date and exact location of the accident
• Description of what happened — facts only; no commentary or opinions
• Root cause
• If the accident is applied against the employee
• Recommendation for prevention
• Total cost of the incident

Protect Your Portable Restroom Staff and Business

Workplace accidents affect your bottom line, resulting in workers’ compensation claims and downtime. Writing accurate reports and tracking the type and rate of incidents is critical to future accident prevention. Moreover, it helps keep your employees safe. Set up your policy and procedures, provide a template, and use your accident data to improve your safety record.

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