While some jobs are riskier than others, accidents are bound to happen at some point in time despite the career field you’ve found yourself employed within. Whether it could have been prevented or not, it’s best to be informed as to what steps should be taken when an accident happens at work.
1. Depending upon how serious the injury is, you may need a first aid kit or for someone to call 911. Your health and safety is top priority in this situation.
2. Notify your supervisor, preferably in writing. Document what happened and how, and the severity/type of injury sustained. This must be turned in to the employer within 30 days of the accident; otherwise, you may be at risk of losing workers’ compensation. Make a copy for your own records in case the incident leads to a court case.
3. Complete a workers’ compensation report on Form C-3 and send to your local Workers’ Compensation Board. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself. You will be at risk of losing benefits if the form isn’t received by the Board within two yearsof the accident.
4. If your employer doesn’t offer workers’ compensation, you may contact a lawyer, your state labor department, or local workers’ compensation office. A lawsuit for negligence may be an option if your employer is required to carry workers’ compensation and has failed to do so for his or her employees.
5. Once you’ve received medical attention, please follow your doctor’s orders so you can heal and return to work.
