The Next Steps to Take If You’re Injured on the Job
According to some estimates, we spend roughly 1/3 of our lives in the workplace. So shouldn’t your workplace prioritize safety?
Though the answer would seem obvious, that doesn’t stop a shocking number of injuries occurring on job sites all across the globe every single day.
Knowing what to do in case of an injury can help you take swift action while protecting yourself and your co-workers. Keep reading to find out what to do if you’re injured on the job.
Seek Medical Treatment Right After You’re Injured on the Job
The most important thing is the safety of yourself and your fellow workers. As such, you shouldn’t hesitate to call an ambulance or have a co-worker drive you to the hospital even if you believe your injury is minor.
The effects of certain injuries, such as concussions, aren’t always immediate and may come with symptoms that can last days or even weeks. Seeing as concussions are synonymous with sleep issues, impacted vision, extreme headaches, and more, it’s best not to wait for your ailment to go away on its own.
It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry, especially when it comes to your health.
Document the Incident as Best You Can
Next, you’ll need to return to the scene of the incident to collect information and file an incident report with your employer.
Start by taking photographs of the exact area where the accident occurred, including any abnormalities like uneven concrete or wet conditions, as well as physical evidence of the accident like bloodstains. Then, take photos of your injuries.
Once you’re done photographing the scene, talk to any coworkers who may have witnessed the accident occur. You can jot down notes, but your best bet is to record the conversation on your phone.
Finally, speak with your company’s human resources department. You’ll want to have a paper trail to protect your best interests, so do the exchange through email if possible. After all, it’s HR’s job to protect the company’s best interests, not yours.
Consider Taking Legal Action
In a perfect world, your employer would grant you paid time off to recover from your injury and would work to remedy the situation that led to the accident in the first place. Sadly, we don’t live in a perfect world.
If your employer is refusing to cooperate or they deliberately caused an unsafe work environment, your next step is to find legal aid.
For help finding a personal injury attorney, check out this helpful info on what info you’ll want to bring to your initial consultation.
Everyone Deserves a Safe Work Environment
Whether you work at a desk or a construction site, accidents happen. You must be ready for a worst-case-scenario situation.
Even if you find yourself injured on the job, you don’t have to be unprepared. By following these tips, you’ll be able to protect yourself physically, emotionally, and financially.
