Nobody expects to get injured at work, but accidents happen all the time, particularly in certain industries. In many cases, these injuries could have been avoided and can leave you on the sidelines unable to work for a while. If you’ve experienced an injury at work, it’s important that you know how to handle this situation and make a full recovery.
Report the Incident
Of course, the first step to take is to seek medical attention. Once you have been checked over by a medical professional and received treatment, you need to report the incident and injury to your employer so that they can keep a record – this is a legal requirement. The record should include details of what transpired, witness statements, photos, and any other relevant information.
See if You’re Entitled to Compensation
If the accident was not your fault, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the financial losses you’ve experienced as a result of the injury, including current and future loss of earnings, medical costs, etc. You shouldn’t be made to feel anxious about your health, job, or money, so seek advice if you believe the accident was not your fault. No win no fee lawyers are a great option as they will ensure you are not further out of pocket if your claim is unsuccessful.
Ask for Reasonable Adjustments
Be sure to discuss options with your employer when it comes to a phased return to work. They will need to accommodate your needs as you recover, including ergonomic furniture and changes in responsibilities. Consult with your HR department to see what you’re entitled to.
Seek Physical & Emotional Support
Recovering from an injury can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, you can get support for both areas that will help with your recovery and reintroduction to work. A physical therapist can develop a plan to help you bounce back safely and easily, including guidance on stretches and proper techniques for movements. Also, consider speaking with a psychologist or counsellor if the injury has caused you anxiety or trauma – this can be common after a traumatic incident and make reintroduction to work challenging.
Hopefully, you will never have to use the information in this post, but it is helpful to know how you can easily bounce back after an injury at work, just in case. Workplace accidents occur all the time, particularly in certain industries, and these accidents could lead to injuries that prevent you from working and impact all areas of your life.
