05 Jan
Accident at work: you are a victim or a witness, what action to take?
A statistical study of the GIVE confirms that the risk of work accidents with lost time is twice as high as the average. And let's not forget that it is also entirely possible to witness an accident at work.
Having the right reflexes, in either case, is essential. It is therefore important to know what to do if you were to be confronted with an accident at work.
Being confronted with an accident at work, victim or witness, can happen at any time in your professional career, whether you are experienced or a beginner.
When an accident occurs, it is important to react appropriately to limit its consequences.
The right reflexes to adopt
If you witness the accident of one of your colleagues, or if you yourself are a victim and you are able to react, 2 cases arise:
You must then follow the procedure presented to you.
You can then follow these tips:
- Protect yourself ! This point also concerns the accident victim and all the people in the vicinity. If the hazard that caused the accident is still present, it must be ensured that no one can approach it and thus avoid another accident.
- Tell a Occupational Lifeguard (SST). He will be able to intervene quickly and effectively to provide first aid while waiting for help.
- Notify the emergency services by dialing 15 (Samu) or the 18 (Firefighters), or by sending an SMS to 114 if you are unable to speak. They will help you take care of the victim and, if necessary, schedule the intervention of the emergency services. Never hang up first.
- Stay with the victim and reassure him while waiting for help.
- Notify your team leaders and/or your line manager and the agency.
- Never transport an accident victim on your own: you could aggravate his injuries and could be held liable. If the victim must be taken to the hospital, it is up to health professionals (Firefighters, Samu, Ambulance) to take care of it.
- Finally, if you have an accident, notify or have your employment agency notified within 24 hours.
That you are witness or victim, it is important to react very quickly, the first minutes after an accident can be decisive!
Whatever the case: notify your agency. Being the victim of or witnessing an accident can be very traumatic. Today, there are means of taking charge of psychological support, in particular via the FAST SOS ACCIDENT.