Workplace injuries are sometimes inevitable. When they occur, it is important to take the right steps. Most people are unaware of what to do until a workplace injury actually occurs.
At WorkPartners Occupational Health, we routinely help employers and employees with work-related injuries. In fact, we can provide treatment for a variety of work-related injuries. We also advise patients on the steps involved in workers’ compensation.
Here are a few tips on what to do when you get injured at work.
Talk to Your Employer Immediately
When you get hurt on the job, you should inform your employer at the time of the incident. Let them know exactly what happened. Even minor injuries or injuries that do not result in open wounds should be reported. For example, some employees get head injuries or fall from ladders but fail to report such injuries to their employers. Keep in mind that many symptoms develop within days of the incident, so it is possible that you are dismissing an injury as minor when in reality, it is a bigger deal than you think.
Fill Out an Incident Report
Some employers may require you to fill out an incident report after a work-related injury. When you inform your employer of the injury, make sure to inquire if an incident report is necessary. Even if it isn’t required, ask if you can provide your own written statement on how the injury occurred. Such paperwork is important if you need time off work or if an investigation is necessary into how and why the injury happened.
Visit a Doctor with Workers’ Compensation Experience
Work-related injuries are a bit different than other types of injuries. There is a lot of paperwork and multiple parties involved who work together to document, treat, and pay for the care received, as well as compensating for time off work due to the injury. As such, it is important to work with a doctor who has experience with such processes, so that your injury compensation is streamlined and done correctly.
Keep Records
Keep records of the incident, injury, number of times you visited the doctor, the medications/treatments you took, any improvement in symptoms you felt, as well as the time off work required due to your injury. You’ll also want to keep records of any documentation you file with your employer, as well as the paperwork your doctor provides to the case manager or other parties involved. This can come in handy if any problems arise regarding your worker’s compensation claim.
File for Worker’s Compensation
If you need to file for worker’s compensation, you want to complete this step as soon as possible. You only have limited time to file after your injury. It’s crucial to complete all the necessary paperwork accurately and honestly. Fortunately, WorkPartners Occupational Health specialists can assist with the paperwork aspect of your claim.
Keep Your Workplace in the Loop
After each doctor’s appointment and as you heal, you should inform your employer about what’s going on. This can help ensure that your employer covers your shifts, and you can return to work when you heal. It’s also beneficial, so you don’t experience any complications if you need to file a worker’s compensation claim.
Workers’ Compensation in Grand Junction, CO
At WorkPartners Occupational Health, we routinely guide patients through the complex world of workers’ compensation and workplace injuries. We want to help you heal effectively, so you can return to an active lifestyle and your place of work as quickly as possible.
Book an appointment with WorkPartners Occupational Health, serving Grand Junction and nearby areas, by calling us today at (970) 241-5585. You may also use our convenient online appointment scheduling tool.
