Work injuries can happen at any time and even in the safest workplaces. The most cautious workers may encounter a mishap, or something may go wrong due to negligence or faulty machinery. Even a spill or crack in the floor can cause a severe injury. You cannot take safety for granted because risks and threats abound. Besides taking all the essential precautions at work, you must know how to handle injuries. The first step should be to report an injury to your employer, no matter how insignificant it seems. It is easy to overlook minor issues when you are in the middle of work, but you must not do it. Here are some good reasons to report a work injury sooner than later.
Get immediate medical care
The first hour after a mishaps is perhaps the most crucial. Immediate medical care during this golden hour can be life-saving. Reporting your injury right away ensures the availability of critical care to victims. Think beyond severe injuries because underlying issues like internal bleeding and nerve damage require attention even if they do not become apparent right away. When your employer knows about the mishap, they can arrange immediate first aid and medical care for you.
Ensure better investigation
Reporting also ensures better investigation of the mishap, so there are good chances of finding the reason for it. In fact, you can do your bit by gathering evidence such as photos of the area, your injuries, and details of the accident. You may even take note of the eyewitnesses present on the spot as they can strengthen your worker compensation claim down the line. Your employer will take relevant action to investigate the accident once you bring things to their notice.
Claim rightful compensation
Failing to report the accident can result in several problems, including missing out on the compensation you deserve. An injury at work entitles you to a workers’ compensation claim, but you have to establish some facts to get the value you deserve. It depends on several factors, such as providing evidence, keeping medical records, and following the reporting procedure. Not complying with the process spells trouble as your employer may deny the mishap, and the insurance company may settle it for a lower value. Essentially, you should get compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and long-term disabilities.
Stay ahead of deadlines
As an employee, you must go through the company rulebook thoroughly to understand the injury reporting deadlines. Most employers have stringent internal deadlines for reporting mishaps at work, and workers must stick with them to be on the right side of the rules. You may have a period of 24 hours to communicate facts about the accident and injuries to the concerned person. Also, remember to provide a written report instead of verbal intimation so that you have valid proof of reporting.
The benefits of early reporting of injuries extend to employees and employers. So business owners should encourage workers to communicate incidents and take relevant action to help them. It fosters a positive workplace culture where employees feel safe and confident.
