It's a topic no one wants to talk about. And everyone hopes will never happen to them. But the reality is that sometimes the unfortunate happens. Do you know what to do when an accident occurs that results in a death?
Reporting a Fatality
- OSHA - within 8 hours of finding out
- Call local OSHA office
- Call 24-hour OSHA hotline
- Report online www.osha.gov
- Department Workforce Development (DWD) - within 24-hours of death
- Insurance carrier - within 24-hours of death
Reporting Considerations
- Contact R&R Insurance
- We can help facilitate contacting the carrier and DWD
- Who / how will the family be contacted?
- What is the criteria for the carrier?
Investigation
Law enforcement will be involved! The area will be considered a crime scene, and should be treated as such, until they are done with their investigation. Be sure to preserve all areas and equipment as part of the accident.
- Take photos
- Identify witnesses
- Obtain maintenance records for involved machinery / automobiles
- Document contributing factors: weather, road conditions, construction zone, etc.
Other Consderations
- Crisis management
- Death / marriage certificates
- Media involvement
- Other potential claims: psych treatment for those affected
- Jurisdiction (were employees travelling?)
Looking for crisis management assistence? Contact your Knowledge Broker or safety@rrins.com to get the conversation started.
