Things to Do When You Are Injured on the Job

Money/Finances - General

By: snowfence 27-Aug-2012

Introduction:

It can be very scary for many people when they get injured on the job. Here is a list of the top five things to do when you are injured on the job.

Tell Your Employer

Tell your employer. Always, tell your employer. No matter what. Chances are that if you get injured on the job, you will think that it is nothing. Many people get hurt on the job and just ignore the situation. It is extremely important to tell your employer, though.

Sure, you may think that it will just go away, get better in a week, or whatever. It doesn't matter what you think. Thinking will not make you get any better, and thinking will not make anything go away.

You may become worse in time, and if you didn't tell your employer about your injury when it happened, you may not be covered by worker's compensation.

Tell Other Employees

No matter what you do, always tell your employer right away if you get injured on the job. Never think that it is too insignificant or too small of an injury.

The problem is, your employer may shun the situation. You may not be given any information on what to do next or even given any paperwork to fill out.

This is why it is also very important to tell your coworkers that you have been injured. Be sure that you tell more than one person. Tell them what you were doing when you were injured and what you hurt. If you were to tell only your employer, they may forget about it. It is always good to have others know about what has happened, too. This way, the can stand up for you later on, in case you might end up needing that for any reason.

Go to a Doctor

Many people are too scared to tell their employer when they are injured on the job. They like to belittle the situation, or are worried that their employer will belittle the situation. Do not be afraid to tell, instead, be afraid not to tell.

This is the same for going to see a doctor. Do not just go home and forget about your injury. Even if you think that this is a minor injury and that it will go away, go see a doctor. Get checked out.

This will not cost you any money. Just tell the doctor that you were injured at work, and they will be happy to help you out. Just in case that your injury will linger or get worse, at least you will have a worker's compensation case started. Do not judge your own situation. Let a doctor be the judge.

Call Your HR

Now, back to telling your employer and at least one coworker, there is another important thing that you must do when you are injured on the job.

Many people who are employed have no idea who their HR even is, or how to get in touch with them. HR is short for human resources. These people are there to help you, but only if they know what is going on. It is your responsibility to call your HR department and tell them that you were injured at work.

Do not rely on your employer to get in touch HR. We all know how employers can be.

Keep Your Employer and HR Informed

After you have done all of these things, you will now be qualified to receive worker's compensation. Otherwise, you may end up receiving absolutely nothing.

It is extremely important to keep your employer and HR informed as to your current situation. If your injury ends up being small and just going away, that's fine. You are much better off being healthy.

If you end up losing work due to your work related injury, at least you will be compensated for your lost work.

Obviously, you will need to fill out lots of paperwork to get things rolling and answer lots of questions about your health, if you have ever injured the same body part before, etc. Also, be sure to return to work as soon as you are able to.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, even though this is so short, this has helped you out in some way. Many people have no idea what to do when they are injured on the job.

Give this list a high five!

Comments

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goodselfme 6/8/2013
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Coming back with another h5
goodselfme 3/19/2013
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Another h5 and a tweet.
hummingbirdee 9/1/2012
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I remember not wanting to report a shelf falling on my head and face. It took a big chunk off of my nose. I was embarrassed because it was my fault. I finally did report it because my supervisor made me. Thanks for telling us how is supposed to be done.
goodselfme 8/27/2012
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Smart and very important information told well to help others when they are hurt on the job.
thingsilike 8/27/2012
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Good protocol to follow if you are injured on the job. H5.