How Home Depot Associates Should Respond After Workplace Injuries

When an associate is injured at work, immediate action and prompt reporting shape the outcome for medical care and any workers compensation claim. Associates should seek medical attention right away. If the situation is an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency facility. For non emergencies, follow store protocols for on site first aid and any directed medical care.

Notify your supervisor or manager as soon as possible so the incident can be documented and investigated. Stores typically require completion of an internal incident or accident report that captures details of the event, witnesses, and the conditions that led to the injury. If the company directs an occupational health clinic or specific medical provider, follow those instructions to ensure timely processing of workers compensation paperwork.

Filing a workers compensation claim generally begins with the store People Services or HR representative, or with the corporate workers compensation team, which will assist in initiating the claim with the company insurer. Keep copies of all medical reports, treatment notes, and communications with HR or the insurer. If a medical provider issues work restrictions, provide those documents to HR. Home Depot commonly works with medical providers to identify modified or alternate duty assignments where possible to facilitate return to work.

If an injury results in time away from work, workers compensation policies govern wage replacement benefits and claim adjudication. Contact People Services or HR to understand timelines and eligibility for lost time benefits and any required paperwork.

Home Depot maintains store level safety protocols and training, including equipment operation and safe lift practices, and uses reporting systems to track hazards. Associates are encouraged to complete required safety training, report unsafe conditions, and participate in safety meetings to prevent future incidents. For help with claims or repeated safety issues, associates should work with their store People Services or HR representative and use corporate safety contacts listed on internal portals. State workers compensation boards are available for external guidance or dispute resolution, and urgent or recurring hazards should be documented and escalated to district and regional management.

Timely reporting and thorough documentation are critical to ensure proper care, protect associate rights, and reduce administrative delays in claim handling. Familiarity with these procedures helps associates get support and return to work safely.