What should you do following a workplace injury?
When you arrive at work, you hope that you make it through your shift in a happy, healthy and safe manner. If you work in a dangerous industry, you know that this may not happen.
There are several important steps to take if you suffer an on the job injury. The most important thing you can do is notify your employer of the accident, your injuries and the cause. If possible, do so in writing. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may not be able to have a conversation with your supervisor on the same day as your accident.
From there, make sure you receive immediate medical treatment. In other words, don’t notify your company of the accident and then go home to care for yourself. Instead, visit a hospital or doctor to have your injury examined and to receive a treatment plan.
Finally, don’t hesitate to file a workers’ compensation claim. The sooner you do this the greater chance you have of receiving benefits without delay.
These are some of the most basic steps to take if you’ve suffered a workplace injury. Along the way, you may find that you need to do a few other things.
If for any reason your claim is denied, learn more about the reason and the steps you can take. For example, you can file an appeal with the idea of providing more information. In some cases, this is more than enough for the denial to be overturned, thus allowing you to begin receiving benefits until you’re able to return to work.
Source: Workplace Fairness, “What To Do If You Are Injured At Work,” accessed Feb. 03, 2017