Workplace accidents: nobody wants them to happen and companies take all the steps they can to prevent them… but they still occur. Unfortunately, things go wrong from time to time in work environments. Here is a look at the things you should do if an accident occurs and impacts you at your place of work.
Immediately After An Incident
Ideally, an accident scenario should kick the common sense of everyone involved and all witnesses into gear. However, such situations often do the opposite, leaving people too stunned to respond appropriately. This is why it’s a good idea to regularly brush up on the basic actions to take immediately after an incident occurs. Checking that no life-threatening or severe injuries have been sustained is an urgent must – call for an ambulance if you suspect any serious damage has been done.
It’s then vital to remove the risk of a second incident following the first. For example, you should remove the cause of the initial accident and clear up any resulting debris that could be hazardous to people in the surrounding area. Once everyone’s safety is secured, it’s time to notify your relevant superiors about what has transpired and complete any necessary paperwork about the incident.
The Days Following An Incident
The first few days after an accident are crucial in regards to determining whether you can return to work quickly or will need extended time off. Don’t force or overexert yourself during this period. Pushing too hard after sustaining an injury can increase the severity of the damage and lengthen the time during which it impacts your lifestyle.
If you need to take any kind of formal or legal action regarding your accident, it’s important to do so as early as reasonably possible; claims are often restricted by strict timelines. If you are unsure about how this all works, it is best to speak with a third-party law firm that specialises in workers’ compensation cases, such as Sinnamon Lawyers.
The Weeks After An Incident
When an injury puts you out of action for a long period, it can be quite frustrating. Even if workers’ compensation minimises the impact on your finances, being homebound can quickly leave you feeling bored and helpless – some people experience depression in these circumstances.
However, no matter how tempting it is to return speedily to work, it’s essential you obey your doctor’s orders to avoid exacerbating or retriggering your injury and making your situation even worse. Be diligent when it comes to following your rehabilitation and eventual return-to-work program. If the time off and potential isolation does leave you feeling significantly blue, speak to your doctor about creating a mental health plan as well.
There’s no avoiding the fact that workplace accidents do occur. Though many people get through their working life without ever sustaining an injury while on the job, plenty of people aren’t so lucky. Have you had the displeasure of being involved in a workplace accident that forced you to take time off from work? Discuss what you learnt from the experience and any tips you’d share for people in a similar situation below.
