Regardless of your job responsibilities or the environment in which you work, there’s always a possibility you could suffer an injury. If this happens, it’s critical to receive treatment, report the incident to your employer and learn more about your legal rights.
An understanding of the most common workplace injuries can help keep you safe. Here are several that you need to protect against:
- Slip and fall
- Repetitive motion
- Motor vehicle accident
- Injured by machinery or tools
- Struck by an object
- Burn or electrocution
- Fall from height
Depending on your profession, you may find that you’re more prone to one of these injury types than the rest.
For example, if you work in construction, you may have concerns about being injured by a tool or a fall from height. Conversely, if you work in an office setting, your worries may turn toward a repetitive motion injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Should you suffer any type of workplace injury, here’s what you should do:
- Assess the injury
- Administer first-aid
- Report the injury and cause of the accident to your employer
- Receive medical treatment, either at a local hospital or your doctor’s office
- Follow the treatment plan outlined by your medical team
If your doctor suggests time away from work, the final step is filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. You’ll want to do this as a means of receiving compensation as you recover, which can help with monthly expenses and medical bills among other costs.
Should you receive a denial letter, don’t hesitate to file an appeal with the hopes of immediately receiving the benefits you deserve.