How should you document a workplace injury?
When you go to work, you anticipate doing your job and then going home at the end of the day. However, a workplace injury can happen at any time and leave you with injuries that affect your daily life.
After a workplace accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. To ensure you remain eligible for these benefits, you must properly document the accident and recovery process.
Seek medical attention
In 2021, according to the National Safety Council, approximately 4.26 million injured workers received medical attention for their injuries. The first step in documenting a workplace injury is to seek immediate medical attention. Prompt care will help prevent complications and start documentation for your recovery.
Notify a supervisor
After securing medical care, the next step is to notify a supervisor or manager about the injury. Provide him or her with a clear and concise account of the incident, including the date, time and location. Timely reporting allows the company to respond swiftly and address any potential safety concerns.
Gather witness statements
If there were any witnesses to the workplace injury, gather statements from them. Witness accounts can provide information that helps to create a comprehensive record of the incident. Make sure to include the witnesses’ names, contact details and their perspective on what happened.
Photograph the scene
Use a camera or a smartphone to capture images of the area where the injury occurred. Take pictures from multiple angles to document the conditions and any contributing factors, such as slippery floors or faulty equipment.
Document injuries and treatment
Maintain a detailed record of the injuries you sustained in the accident. This should include the nature of the injuries, treatments administered and any follow-up care required. Regularly update this record to track the progress of your recovery.
Even if you diligently document your workplace injury, your claim for workers’ compensation benefits could still get denied. If this happens, take steps to protect your rights to fair and proper compensation.