No matter how safety-conscious you are, anyone can succumb to a workplace accident. While some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others, any type of workplace can be scene of an injury or the cause of an illness. Due to this, it’s important to know what action to take if you’re affected by an incident at work. To ensure you’re prepared for all eventualities, take a look at these three things everyone should do after a workplace accident:
1. Report the Incident
If you’ve been hurt at work, you’re likely to be contractually obliged to the report the incident to your employer straight away. If possible, this should always be done in writing, so that you’ve got a record of the report.
Businesses are required to report workplace fatalities and severe injuries to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) within a certain timeframe, after which an investigation may take place. However, companies may carry out their own investigations following any type of workplace injury. This can help to reduce the risk to other staff and prevent similar incidents occurring.
2. Obtain Medical Treatment
Following a workplace accident, it’s important to access any medical treatment you need for your injuries. Although you may not think you’ve been seriously hurt at first, being checked over and obtaining a diagnosis will help to ensure potentially serious injuries aren’t overlooked.
Whether you visit your primary care physician or attend the nearest hospital, your medical records should be updated to reflect your injuries, diagnoses and treatment. This ensures there is additional evidence that can be used to confirm how badly you were hurt, if any issues arise at a later date.
3. Seek Legal Advice
If you’ve sustained a workplace injury, you may be entitled to compensation of some sort. Employees can often claim workers’ compensation following a workplace accident, for example. This can help to cover the cost of your medical treatment and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
However, if your employer was negligent, you may be able to take action against them directly. With help from an Orlando Personal Injury Attorney, you can find out what your rights are and decide which type of claim is most appropriate. David R. Heil, PA, routinely helps clients to take legal action after they’ve been injured at work. With more than 35 years’ experience as an Orlando personal injury attorney, he is well-placed to provide the nuanced advice and assistance you need in order to make a successful claim for personal injury compensation.
Recovering from a Workplace Injury
Workplace injuries vary in severity, from minor cuts and bruises to life-changing paralysis and amputations. As such, the recovery process from a workplace injury varies tremendously. However, it’s important to be guided by your medical team and not feel pressured to rush back to work.
Returning to your role too quickly could exacerbate your injuries and lead to further harm, so it’s important to follow the advice of medical professionals. By doing so, you can ensure that your body has enough time to heal following the trauma and increase your chances of making a full recovery.
