Who Needs to Be Notified of a Workplace Injury?
One slip, one misstep, or one piece of faulty equipment can suddenly cause pain, paperwork, and uncertainty.
Who needs to be notified of a workplace injury?
You do not want to figure it out on the fly. Whether your injury seems minor or severe, taking the right steps can make all the difference. Let’s look at who to tell when you are hurt on the job as you start the workers’ compensation claims process.
Start with Your Supervisor
If you are hurt on the job, the first person you should notify is your direct supervisor or manager. Even if the injury seems minor, speaking up right away is one of the most important things you can do. You should always report it rather than wait to see if it worsens.
Remember that most workplaces and state workers’ comp laws require that you report any injury within a certain timeframe. Sometimes, that could be as soon as the same day. If you wait too long, you might lose access to benefits you may need down the road.
When you talk to your supervisor, explain what happened, where, when, and what part of your body was affected. If anyone saw it happen, mention that as well.
Follow Your Company’s Protocols
Every company has its own process for handling workplace injuries. Many times, this involves filling out an incident report. Some companies also ask you to check in with human resources.
If you don’t know what to do, ask your supervisor or HR rep to walk you through it.
You should never be afraid to ask questions. This is your right. Also, always keep a copy if you fill out or sign anything. If you do not complete an official form, write down what happened in your own words and email it to your supervisor to document the incident.
Let Your Medical Provider Know
If you need medical attention, you will want to tell the doctor or nurse that your injury happened at work. With that, you can be assured that your visit is handled as part of a workers’ compensation claim, and they don’t bill through your regular health insurance.
Some employers have specific doctors or clinics they work with for job-related injuries. On the other hand, some will let you choose your provider.
No matter what system is in place, you need to make it clear from the beginning that this is a workplace injury, so everything is properly documented.
Talk to Human Resources
Your HR department is your next stop after your initial report and any medical visit. In most workplaces, they will coordinate with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance to get your benefits.
Along with that, they can help you understand what comes next.
File a Workers’ Comp Claim
Many people believe that informing their employer that they have been hurt automatically initiates the claim process. That is not always the case. Depending on your state’s laws, you might need to fill out additional forms or contact the state’s workers’ comp office. Once again, your employer or HR team should help you start that process.
You may also want to reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney or your state’s labor office. Filing a claim might sound intimidating, but this is the first step in getting access to medical care, wage replacement, and other support.
If You’re Feeling Pressured Not to Report
Sometimes, workers worry that speaking up could lead to retaliation or that their employer might discourage them from filing a report. Always remember this: it is illegal for your employer to punish you for reporting a workplace injury or filing a workers’ comp claim. In these cases, you can make a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
If you feel like your employer is not taking your report seriously or is trying to talk you out of reporting it, you may want to reach out to a workers’ compensation lawyer. You have rights, and they can help protect them.
Keep Records of Everything
Another important point is to always document everything. Start keeping track from the moment the injury happens. You want to save emails, take notes from conversations, keep copies of any paperwork you sign, and write down your symptoms and how they have affected your day-to-day life. That paper trail can make things much easier if things get complicated later.
Get Help for Your Work Injury
Getting hurt on the job is stressful. These are a few steps to make sure you get your entitled benefits. And if you ever hit a snag in the process, legal help is available to assist with your claim.
At Work Injury Advisor, we know that every worker deserves to feel safe and supported at work.
If you have problems with the claim or want to know how to get started, we have resources to help you out.
