Reporting On-The-Job Injuries

Reporting On-The-Job Injuries

On-the-job injuries can range from a mild nuisance to a life-changing event. No one intends to get hurt on the job. While many companies take extensive precautions to prevent workplace injuries, the simple fact is that accidents happen.

If you find yourself the victim of an injury on the job, it is important to know what steps to take to protect yourself not only physically from further injury or harm but also from the financial repercussions that could follow.

Familiarize Yourself with Your Employer’s Safety Regulations

It is important that you follow all company safety procedures that may be in place before and following a workplace injury. Be sure to familiarize yourself with any and all guidelines and regulations. Often safety procedures are covered in detail during a new hire orientation and are also typically provided in an employee handbook.

To ensure you are fully prepared, you should actively look for these common safety resources:

• The Employee Handbook: Usually the first place to look for reporting protocols.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): strict guidelines often present in environments with chemicals or heavy machinery.
• Safety Representatives: Identify who your designated safety officer is before an accident happens.

Just as it is important to know traffic laws to avoid accidents while driving, it is equally important that you educate yourself on your employer’s safety rules and regulations. By following those rules as much as possible, you eliminate a great deal of risk for personal injury on the job.

Report the Incident Immediately

One of the most important and often overlooked steps to ensuring you receive the workers’ compensation to which you may be entitled is to report the incident immediately to your employer. This step is often missed because many employees do not initially see an injury as worth reporting.

"It is always better to file a report for an injury that turns out to be minor, than to ignore an injury that turns out to be major."

For example, imagine you are lifting a heavy box at work and feel as if you may have strained your back. Rather than immediately reporting that to your supervisor, you decide to wait until severe back pain develops. At that point, it may be too late to seek workers’ compensation benefits from your employer, as the incident was not reported when it first happened.

Many companies (particularly larger ones) have designated safety officers and standards in place to handle all injury/accident reports on site. Utilize those individuals and resources responsible for injury reporting.

When reporting, keep these tips in mind:

• Report in Writing: Verbal reports can be forgotten or denied; an email or written form creates a paper trail.
• Don't Wait: Statutory deadlines for reporting can be very short.
• Be Specific: clearly state that the injury happened at work and while performing job duties.

Do not just assume that your injury is too minimal to report. No injury is too small to report. Even if you do not end up requiring any medical treatment for it, at least you have protected yourself on the front end by reporting it immediately.

Fight for The Compensation You Deserve

If you have been injured on the job, report it immediately. That is the first crucial step to a successful workers’ compensation claim. After initial reporting, the waters can get quite treacherous. It is important to have trained professionals on YOUR side who know the waters and fight on your behalf.

The attorneys at McKenzie & Snyder LLP can help you navigate the process and get you the compensation and treatment you deserve.

Call for a FREE consultation! (513) 737-5180