Millions of people report an accident at their workplace every year. Whether it’s your fault or not, it can be a traumatic time for your physical and mental health. Here are four things you must do if you have an accident at work.
Find a first aid worker to help you
One of the first things to do, when you have an accident at work, is to find a first aid worker to help you. A lot of companies will train a couple of employees so they are trained in first aid and can help if something happens. Once you have found the first aider after an accident, they will be able to provide you with medical attention. They may recommend you go to your doctor, or your employer may request a particular doctor to see. It will help cover them and you, as the doctor will record your injuries, and may suggest a specific amount off time of work. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to go to the hospital. Make sure the first aider calls your next of kin to come with you to the hospital. Don’t go alone just in case your condition worsens.
Make sure it’s noted in the incidents book
Another thing you must do if you have an accident at work is to make sure it’s recorded in the incidents book. Every employer should have an accidents book as it’s ideal to record what happened and what the accident resulted in. It’s important for you to make sure it’s logged in there so you have proof it happened if you take the matter further.
Consider making a claim
Another thing you should do when you have an accident at work is to consider whether you should make a claim. It can be a hard decision to make. If you have been badly injured, it would be wise to make a claim against your company. You shouldn’t worry about upsetting your employer; you have to consider how long you have to be off work and the pain it has caused you. For example, if you have a Burns Accident, you can make a claim as long as you are not wholly liable for the accident. You normally have up to three years to make a claim for your injuries. You can read more about compensation on this site, so you know how it can affect your pay.
Talk to your boss about the incident
You should also make sure you speak to your boss about the incident after it occurs. They will hopefully be able to make changes so that the accident does not happen again. It can also diffuse the situation if you talk to them about what occurred. They may be able to place you in a different department until you are well enough to return to your current role. Your boss should be protecting their employees, so if you feel they are putting you in danger in your role, it might be time to report them and find a new job.
Remember not to go back to work till you’re ready after an accident. You can often request sick pay so that you are still being paid while you recover from the accident.
