Workplace injuries are extremely common, and statistics reveal that there are more than 7 million work injuries every year. Accidents at work can result in serious long-term health issues, and you must know what to do if you get hurt on the job. With that in mind, here are five actions to take if you are injured at work:
Step 1 Report your injury
The first thing you should do is report your injury to your manager or supervisor. They will make a formal report of your injury and secure the area to prevent further accidents and injuries. Your manager should also assess your injury and contact emergency services if you require immediate medical attention.
Step 2 Seek medical care
You should always have a work injury examined by a medical professional to rule out anything serious. If you do not require emergency medical treatment, then you should still visit your doctor’s surgery or the emergency room as soon as possible to get your injury checked out. The doctor may request tests such as x-rays to check for internal damage and recommend a course of treatment or medication. You should follow the advice of your medical professional and take steps to aid your recovery.
Step 3 Contact a lawyer
If you have been injured at work, then you may be able to claim compensation to cover pain and suffering, as well as financial losses like medical bills and unpaid leave. You must keep an accurate documentation of all expenses and receipts following your accident. These will be needed if you decide to bring a claim against your employer. Most companies also have workers’ compensation insurance, which means they will pay for medical expenses and lost wages even if the accident was your fault. You can click here for guidance on what you can claim following an accident at work.
Step 4 Get plenty of rest
You must get plenty of rest and give your body time to heal fully after an injury at work. Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may advise that you stay in bed for 1-2 weeks or that you avoid strenuous physical activity for several weeks. Always follow your doctor’s advice and give yourself sufficient time to rest and recover. You should avoid returning to work until your injury has healed, especially if your role involves manual work. Keep your employer updated with your recovery and let them know when you should be returning to the workplace.
Step 5 Eat a healthy diet
You must eat a healthy diet when you have been injured. A nutritious, protein-rich diet will support your recovery and help you maintain good health and wellbeing. Certain foods can also boost your immunity and help you fight off common infections and illnesses. For example, grapes can support your immune system and increase your hydration levels. Research tasty recipes that support injury recovery and focus on eating a healthy and nutritious diet.
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