Quick Answer

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring immediate safety, initiating injury reporting, coordinating medical triage through Medcor for non-emergencies, completing required documentation, and partnering with HR to support recovery and return-to-work planning.

Why This Matters

Supervisor response directly impacts team member safety, recovery outcomes, OSHA compliance, and workers’ compensation processing. Consistent, timely action helps prevent further injury and ensures injuries are handled appropriately and fairly.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Ensure Immediate Safety

  • Stop work and secure the area if needed.

  • Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening injuries only.

• Initiate Medical Triage

  • For non-life-threatening work injuries, ensure Medcor is contacted promptly using the Medcor Nurse Hotline poster displayed at every location.

• Ensure Timely Reporting

  • Confirm the injury is reported as soon as possible and no later than the same day, regardless of severity.

• Complete Documentation

  • Initiate the required injury report and fact-based incident documentation.

  • Collect witness statements if applicable.

  • Submit documentation to HR within required timelines.

• Support Recovery and Return to Work

  • Enforce all medical restrictions exactly as documented.

  • Do not allow return to work or duty changes without HR review and approval.

  • Coordinate modified duty only in partnership with HR.

Partner With HR Early

Supervisors are encouraged to partner with HR early and should not hesitate to reach out for guidance or support at any point during injury response, documentation, medical coordination, leave considerations, or return-to-work planning. Early collaboration helps ensure consistency, compliance, and the best outcome for team members and operations.

Important Reminder

A team member cannot be released from medical restrictions based on verbal statements, personal judgment, or time passed. Only documented guidance from the treating medical provider may remove or modify restrictions. HR must review and approve all medical documentation prior to a team member's return-to-work or release from work restrictions. Allowing work outside restrictions or before HR approval occurs creates safety, legal, and compliance risk.

This article supports, but does not replace, the LWG Safety Manual and the LWG Workplace Injury Guide, which serve as the official sources for injury response, reporting, investigation, and return-to-work procedures.