Facing injury or falling victim to an accident at work is a stressful and confusing time. Apart from the injuries, there are many concerns associated with the accident and finding the right information is not easy. You need to contact the right people and take the necessary steps to ensure complete protection, financially, and physically. Here are a few things you must-do if you are injured at work. 

• Pay attention to the injury

The most important thing to do is to focus on the injury. You must be treated by the first aider of the workplace immediately. All workplaces are obligated to have a first aid kit and a first aider. Find the first aider and allow them to treat the injury. An injury could appear minor initially but in the worst case, it can become a lifelong condition if proper treatment is not given. If there is extreme pain or trouble, you need to get a full assessment of the injuries by a doctor. Consider whether you need to see a doctor and ask a work colleague to accompany you. Do not worry about workers’ compensation at this stage, just focus on your health.

2. Inform your colleagues about the accident

After the injury is treated, speak to the colleagues. Ensure your colleagues are aware of the incident and if you plan to make a claim for compensation, you need to keep the colleagues in the loop so that there is no issue at a later stage. 

3. Speak to the manager

Tell your manager about the accident and if you have a serious injury, the employer is legally obliged to report to the Health and Safety executive. Do not blame anyone for the accident. Both parties could be at fault and even if your manager blames you, it does not mean that the employer is not at fault for the accident.

4. Record the accident

Most organizations have an accident book and you need to record the accident in it. It is your duty to record it so that your colleagues do not hurt themselves in the same manner. Many workplaces brag about the days in which there has been no accident at work but do not let any sort of pressure on you to let the accident go unreported. 

5. Gather evidence

If you want to make a compensation claim, you need to gather evidence. You will need evidence to defend yourself from any accusations that the employer may make. Take photos and videos of the accident location and your injury. You can take multiple photos or videos to show the intensity of the injury. You must also keep a record of the symptoms. A minor inquiry could be a significant injury with time and if you do not record it, you may not be able to prove it. Doctors may not focus on all the injuries so you need to keep a record. 

6. Submit a grievance

No matter the outcome of the accident investigation, when you have suffered an injury at work, you have a right to complain to your employer about it. Write a grievance properly and try to convey the problems faced by you during work and share it with your employer. 

7. Maintain a record of expenses

The purpose of employers’ compensation is to put you back where you would have been if the accident had not taken place. If you have incurred expenses due to the injury or have had to stay away from work, you will be able to recover the money. Keep a track record of everything that you have incurred or lost. You can maintain a record on the phone and keep a copy of all the receipts so as to send them to your workers compensation lawyers. 

Follow these steps in case of an injury at work. You may want to file a claim quickly but it is important to look after your health first. Do not neglect your health while trying to gather evidence for the claim. You must ask for first aid immediately and head to a doctor if necessary. You can look into the documentation and evidence at a later stage. If you process it right, the employer will not hold anything against you.

Just remember to take one step at a time and work on your health. Do not ignore minor pains or injuries because they can become huge in the future. Even if it is a minor injury, it is best to head to the hospital and get an assessment. A solicitor will assist you with the claim. Remember, it can take months and years for the claim to be processed and approved so remain patient and co-operate with the authorities.