What Contractors Should Do After a Jobsite Accident: A Step-by-Step Claims Guide

Construction is a high-risk industry, and even strong safety practices can’t eliminate every risk of a jobsite accident. When an accident occurs, knowing how to respond can help protect workers, minimize disruption and keep a claim on track. This step-by-step guide explains what contractors should do next.

Why Contractors Need a Jobsite Accident Response Plan

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), construction is the most dangerous industry in terms of workplace deaths. In 2024, the construction sector experienced 1,034 deaths, more than any other sector. For every 100,000 workers, there were nine fatalities. The total recordable incident rate was 2.0 cases per 100 full-time workers.

Although construction workers face many hazards, OSHA’s Focus Four hazards are among the most serious:

• Falls
• Caught-in-or-between accidents
• Struck by incidents
• Electrocutions

Comprehensive training, consistent use of personal protective equipment and appropriate safety controls can help reduce the risk of jobsite accidents. However, because construction work is dangerous, the risk of injury is never zero. Prevention is always the goal, but accident response is equally important.

A strong response can support the injured worker, control costs and help protect the project from additional delays or losses. By establishing response procedures before an incident occurs, you can ensure that supervisors and key employees know what to do when every minute counts.

1. Prioritize Safety

In the event of a jobsite accident, safety needs to be the initial priority. The immediate response should focus on helping the injured workers and preventing additional injuries.

• Provide necessary first aid. Immediate action can help control bleeding, prevent infection and provide other potentially lifesaving measures. Assess the injured worker to determine what first aid is necessary. Worksites should have a first aid kit that includes essential supplies.
• Seek medical care. In the event of severe or life-threatening injuries, call 911 immediately for emergency medical care. The severity of an injury is not always obvious. For example, a head injury may initially appear minor even when more serious trauma has occurred. When in doubt, play it safe and seek emergency medical attention. For less serious injuries, urgent care clinic or nurse triage service may be appropriate.
• Secure the site to prevent further injury. Block off hazardous areas, turn off power to malfunctioning equipment or take any other necessary precautions to prevent additional injuries or property damage.

2. Document the Accident

Thorough documentation can help with insurance claims and OSHA reporting requirements. Documentation can also support future risk management efforts. When you understand the circumstances that contributed to an accident, you can make meaningful changes to reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future.

• Retain any surveillance footage. If you have surveillance footage of the accident or contributing circumstances, preserve the footage so it is not overwritten.
• Take photographs. Before the scene is disturbed, take photographs to show the environment that contributed to the accident.
• Collect statements. Obtain an incident statement from the injured worker as soon as possible. Also collect statements from any witnesses.
• Note conditions, weather and any other contributing factors. Make note of anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as rainstorms or malfunctioning equipment.
• Record the injury. Employers that had more than 10 employees at any time during the previous calendar year generally must maintain OSHA injury and illness records unless an exemption applies. Covered employers use OSHA Recordkeeping Forms 300, 300A and 301.

3. Provide Notification

Prompt notification helps you maintain compliance. It can also help you secure the support you need for your business and the injured worker. You may need to report the accident to multiple parties:

• Employers must notify OSHA of work-related fatalities within eight hours. For incidents involving inpatient hospitalization, amputation or eye loss, OSHA reporting is required within 24 hours.
• Insurance policies may include notice requirements, so prompt reporting can help contractors comply with policy terms. Prompt reporting is also important so you can receive the resources and guidance you need to manage the claim and control costs. For any injuries, you’ll need to notify your workers’ compensation insurer. Depending on the nature of the incident and any other losses involved, you may need to notify other insurers, as well, such as your commercial property insurer, general liability insurer or builders risk insurer.
• Any other parties that need to know. You may need to notify other parties, such as general contractors or any other parties for whom you provide subcontracting work. Review your contracts to assess your reporting obligations.

4. Follow Up

In the days and weeks following the incident, the right follow-up can help minimize losses and keep the claim on track.

• Support the injured worker. Reach out to the worker to see how they’re doing and offer support. Aim for a genuinely caring and empathetic tone, but avoid discussing blame, liability or financial matters.
• Monitor the claim. Stay in contact with your insurer to make sure the claim is progressing and to determine whether any additional information is needed.

5. Consider Project Implications

In addition to taking care of the injured worker, it’s important to think about the impact on your project.

• Adjust timelines if necessary. If the incident involved property damage, or if days away from work set back the project, you may need to extend the project. Be realistic about whether you need to extend the deadline. If you need an extension, discuss this with any relevant clients, partners and insurers as soon as possible.
• Assess safety practices. To prevent a repeat incident, consider whether you need to make any changes to your safety practices or provide additional training.

The right insurance partner can help you control your risks before and after a construction jobsite accident. Heffernan Insurance Brokers provides insurance and risk management programs designed for contractors. See how we can help you control your risks and protect your projects.