Businesses are required to follow strict health and safety laws, which help stop people from getting hurt or becoming unwell. Despite this, workplace accidents are still relatively common and can occur in any environment.
While some industries are more dangerous than others, even an office worker can be hurt at work if they slip or fall or if electronic equipment malfunctions. To ensure you know what to do if you’re the victim of a workplace accident, look at these four steps to take if you’ve been injured on the job.
Notify Your Employer
When an accident occurs, it’s vital to notify your employer as quickly as possible. As well as informing your supervisor or manager onsite, be sure to submit a written notification of the incident too. If you can, check your employee handbook or contract of employment to determine whether there are set notification procedures that you’re required to follow.
Seek Medical Help
If you’ve sustained serious or life-threatening injuries, paramedics and EMTs may be called to the scene to provide urgent medical assistance. However, it’s always advisable to seek medical help after an injury, even if you don’t think you’ve been badly hurt.
Visiting your nearest ER will ensure that your injuries can be properly assessed and fully diagnosed. The shock that follows an injury can mask some of the pain, which means that you might not realize just how serious your workplace injury is straight away. By seeking medical advice, you can ensure that your injuries are documented and that you receive the treatment you need.
Get Legal Advice
After you’ve been hurt, getting legal advice might not be the first thing on your mind but it’s an important step to take. Speaking to a workplace injury attorney is usually a good idea, even if your injury isn’t life-changing. A workplace injury lawyer will be able to assist you in making a claim for workers’ compensation, for example.
Additionally, your workplace injury attorney will be able to determine whether you’re eligible to make a separate claim against your employer, as well as claiming workers’ compensation. This can significantly increase the amount of compensation you’re able to obtain, so it’s well worth seeking legal advice as swiftly as possible after a workplace injury.
Rest and Recuperate
Following your doctor’s advice can increase your chances of making a full recovery and help you to get over the shock of being hurt at work. Many people are eager to get back to their usual routine as quickly as possible, but if you don’t give yourself enough time to heal, your recovery could take longer than it needs to.
Dealing with a Workplace Injury
According to OSHA, 2.8 out of every 100 full-time workers experience workplace injuries or illnesses every year. If you’re one of them, it’s important to know which steps to take to protect your rights and enhance your outcome. With the right medical and professional support, you can access the treatment and compensation you deserve following any type of workplace accident.
short url:
