Getting hurt on the job is a fear for many people. Because of the stress and problems involved, many of us hope it will never happen to us and do our best to follow the safety rules laid down by our employers.
But workplace injury isn’t an unlikely occurrence. More than 150 people get hurt on the job every 15 seconds. That’s why it’s important to do whatever you can to avoid work injuries and be prepared should one befall you.
At The Spine & Pain Center, we focus on helping people with conditions causing acute and chronic pain. Our founder, Dr. Navin Mahallavaram, works with our other providers to offer individualized, sensitive care for pain and injury in addition to recovery options that can help get you back on your feet. One of these is this blog, which can help you learn more about avoiding and coping with workplace injuries.
The truth about getting hurt at work
Many people have jobs that make them more likely to experience an injury. For example, loggers and roofers experience some of the highest rates of workplace fatalities. Healthcare and social assistance workers are also at great risk of workplace injury and illness.
Fortunately, laws are put into place to protect people who get hurt at work, and certain benefits may be provided when this occurs. These benefits are called workers compensation.
However, there are steps you have to take to ensure you can obtain workers compensation if you get hurt on the job. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for the possibility of an injury, so you know just what to do if the unthinkable ever happens.
The four steps to take after a workplace injury
1. Tell your supervisor
If you get injured at work, one of the first things you must do is inform your direct supervisor. If they are not nearby, inform whoever is the closest supervisor first. Don’t think you can simply handle the problem on your own.
After a workplace injury, you might require financial compensation, time off to heal, or other benefits that could be owed to you. If no one knows you’ve been hurt, though, you might not be able to get the support you need.
2. Keep any evidence
People who experience a workplace injury may need to prove their injury occurred at work and that they complied with all safety regulations to get their workers’ compensation. It might not come to this, but it’s better to be prepared. Ask your coworkers to back you up, and if it’s safe to do so, get photographic evidence that will clearly show when and where it happened.
3. Fill out an injury report
OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires employers to inform employees that they may report any injury or illness without retaliation. Reporting your injury protects you legally and offers more evidence in your favor in case you need to file for workers’ compensation.
4. Get medical care
Whether a small or big injury, make sure you get it checked out by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility. This could be your general practitioner, a specialist, or a provider at a hospital, should the issue be an emergency.
Even if you think you don’t need it, seeking medical attention is vital when you get injured at work. Many people leave this until later and experience problems down the road. Avoiding a medical examination may also cause problems for your workers’ compensation claim.
If your injury is worse than it seems, you can find out faster and avoid chronic pain and other problems in the future. You’ll also have a record that you sought medical treatment right after getting hurt.
Get help for your workplace injury
Now that you know how to manage the aftermath of your workplace injury, make sure you also get the help you need for any short- or long-term problems it might be causing.
We’re here to help you fully recover and to begin living your life again. Book an appointment at our Pleasanton or Fremont, CA, office, or call us now. We’re ready to help!
