What action should you take when an employee is sent to a physician for the removal of a foreign object from their eye?

The most appropriate action in this scenario is to document the incident and treat it as first aid. When an employee suffers a minor injury, such as a foreign object in their eye, it is critical to assess the situation and provide immediate care. First aid measures may include safely removing the foreign object if it is easily accessible, flushing the eye, or seeking medical attention if necessary.

By documenting the incident, you ensure that there is a record of the occurrence, which is important for both the employee’s health and for compliance with workplace safety regulations. This also helps establish a clear timeline and evidence of how the injury occurred, which can be vital for any subsequent claims or follow-up care.

The other options do not align appropriately with the proper procedure. Establishing a formal claim for workers' compensation may not be necessary if the injury is minor and resolved with first aid. Sending an employee back to work without follow-up may overlook the potential need for further medical evaluation or care, risking the employee's health. Scheduling emergency surgery immediately is not warranted unless there is clear evidence that the situation necessitates urgent surgical intervention, which is not typically the case with minor foreign object removal. Thus, treating it as first aid and documenting appropriately is the ideal course of action.