An injury in the workplace can be the start of a long and difficult process. You may face days, weeks or possibly months of treatment and rehabilitation.
Your actions in the immediate aftermath of the accident could make the difference between an easy or hard road to recovery. There are a number of things you can do to minimise the physical, emotional and financial harm that can result from a workplace injury; here are a few things you should do if you are unfortunate and injure yourself at work.
Don’t Hesitate To Report Your Accident And Include Details
If you have been injured at work, report it to your supervisor or boss immediately; don’t wait until after you see a doctor or to see if you improve. Even if an injury seems minor, you never know if it might develop into something more serious down the track. Not reporting an accident at the time it occurs can lead to complications when it comes to proving your claim or defending yourself from accusations that the accident might not have happened as you suggested.
Keep a detailed record of everything that happened during and after the accident. Include details of the injury, how it occurred, and who, if anybody, witnessed the incident. Document any ongoing pain and medical treatment you receive as well.
If Necessary, Make a Claim
If your injury is serious enough and you feel your employer hasn’t provided adequate support or compensation, it may be worth pursuing a claim. You could be entitled to receive a percentage of your wages while you’re unable to work. However, compensation law is a complex area, so the best path is often to seek legal advice from a law firm that specialises in such cases, such as Turner Freeman Lawyers . Experts will be able to explain all the options available to you and help you ensure that financial woes are minimised.
Put Your Health First
Being unable to work can be frustrating, especially when financial considerations affect you and your family. Despite this desire to get back to work quickly, it’s crucial you don’t push yourself during your time off or attempt to return to work before you are safely able to. Doing so could result in a relapse or further complications to your injury, leading to even more downtime. If you think you’re ready, see a doctor or other healthcare specialist to declare you either fit or unfit for work.
The Return To Work
When you have been given the green light to return to work, speak to your employer about your recovery and the extent to which you are able to complete your former duties. Your employer should understand you may not be able to perform to your full ability immediately upon your return to work. It is their responsibility to take steps to prevent you from sustaining further injuries and to make sure you are successfully reintegrated into the workplace – safely.
A workplace accident and its aftermath can be very stressful, causing physical pain, mental strain and financial hardship. Following the above advice can help you to minimise the problems you may face and help you return to your job sooner.