First 24 Hours After a Workplace Injury: 3 Key Steps Every Employer Should Take 

By SIA Group | 🕒 4 min read | Published July 9th, 2025  

The first 24 hours after a workplace injury can define the entire workers’ compensation journey—for the employee and for your organization. Acting quickly limits claim costs, keeps you OSHA-compliant, and supports your injured worker’s recovery. Follow these three proven steps to turn a potentially disruptive incident into a manageable, employee-focused process. 

1. Report the Injury Immediately 

Timely reporting is non-negotiable. Every minute of delay can raise the total claim cost and extend recovery time. 

• Designate one manager to collect incident details and notify internal safety coordinators and your insurance carrier. 

• Use a standardized incident report form so nothing gets missed. 

• Submit OSHA Form 301 within the required timeframe to maintain compliance. 

Why it matters: Fast reporting speeds up medical approvals and reduces the risk of coverage disputes. OSHA studies show that immediate reporting can cut claim costs by up to 51 percent.  

2. Provide Prompt, Quality Medical Treatment 

A supervisor trained in first aid should triage the injury and decide whether the employee needs: 

• Basic on-site first aid 

• Transportation to an urgent-care clinic 

• Emergency hospital treatment 

Build relationships with trusted occupational clinics before an incident occurs. Share your job-specific physical demands with these providers so they can tailor treatment and documentation. 

Tip: Keep a simple “Medical Direction Card” at every workstation. It lists approved clinics, addresses, and phone numbers for quick reference. 

3. Initiate a Return-to-Work (RTW) Plan on Day 1 

An early RTW strategy benefits everyone. Assemble a small team—manager, employee, claims adjuster, and medical provider—to map out: 

1. Current medical restrictions (supplied by the provider) 

2. Modified duties or reduced hours that match those restrictions 

3. Progress checkpoints (weekly is ideal) to track healing and adjust tasks 

Regular check-ins keep the employee engaged, reduce litigation risk, and may lower indemnity payments by up to 70 percent, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance. 

Turn a Crisis into a Managed Event 

By following these three steps within the critical first 24 hours after a workplace injury, you create a clear, supportive path for your employee and protect your bottom line. 

Need help refining your workers’ compensation or RTW program? 
SIA Group’s risk advisors can customize protocols that fit your industry and culture. Contact our Workers’ Compensation team today for guidance, training resources, and claims support. 

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