Steps to take when injured on the job

When you head off for work each day do you ever consider that you could suffer an injury? This likely isn’t at the front of your mind, but it should be, especially if you work in a dangerous profession. Dangerous professions include emergency services, mining, construction and some others. Do you know what to do if you are ever injured on the job

We will outline the steps you need to take in today’s post.

• Care for your injury on site: Ask for a co-worker to bring you the first aid kit or call 911, depending on how serious the injury is.
• Notify a supervisor immediately: Don’t wait until help arrives. Let an immediate supervisor know what happened if you are not unconscious.
• Document the incident: Write down everything you can remember about the incident that led to your injury. Don’t leave any detail out of the written report.
• Accept medical care/transport: Accept any medical care provided on the scene and transport to the hospital even if you think you haven’t suffered a serious injury.
• Follow doctor’s orders: Do not deviate from the orders your attending doctor prescribes after suffering an injury on the job.
• File a workers’ compensation claim: Use the paperwork provided by your employer to file the claim and do so as soon as possible after the accident.

Suffering an injury on the job can flip your life upside down in an instant. Depending on the severity of the injury, you could be out of work for months to years at a time. Or, you might never be able to return to work. The steps you take after the injury can determine your chances of securing workers’ compensation benefits from your employer.