[IA] Workplace Injury
I work in a very small office. Last week, someone in the office was injured at their desk job (uses phone/computer as primary job duties). It was a strange accident — the person literally fell out of their rolling office chair. They just “lost track” of where the chair was, went to sit down, and fell. This person is now saying that they fractured their ankle and will be out for several weeks - have to wear a boot, can't drive, elevate foot, apply cold/heat.
My biggest questions:
—Is this a workers comp claim even though it wasn't our "fault?" There is nothing unsafe about the work environment or the office chair. Is this a claim on our business insurance? I'm new to my role and am figuring out a lot of admin/HR items.
—What types of accommodations are we required to provide? Do we have to accept that this person is out for at least a few weeks as long as their doctor says they can't drive? Is it reasonable to tell the person that they need to find a ride to work if we can accommodate other special things (elevate foot, allow to ice, etc). There are no physical requirements for the job. We are going to have to pull another staff person from another part of the office to cover for as long as this person is out.
—If this person injures themselves again at work while they are in the boot, is it another worker’s comp claim?
I only trust CoPilot so much! Would like to hear from others in the field.