Introduction
Just about every business implements a safety plan and procedures that contributes to maintaining a safe place to work. Even with the plans in place, on the job injuries happen. Following the right procedures in reporting an on the job injury is of utmost importance for both the employer and employee.
Step 1
Despite careful planning and implementation of safety procedures by businesses, on the job injuries can happen. If you are and employee who has experienced an injury on the job, there are several things you will be responsible for doing.
The first thing you need to do is notify your immediate supervisor. You will need to do this as soon as you realize you have suffered an injury on the job. If you wait too long to report your injury you will have jeopardized your chances at receiving any benefits, including medical care that you may need for your injury.
Step 2
An injury that happens on the job will sometimes necessitate a visit to the doctor or hospital. If this is the case, you need to make sure you let the medical personnel know that you were injured on the job. They will most likely have some special forms for you to complete which will include information about who your employer is and the contact person at your place of employment.
Step 3
Should you suffer an injury on the job that results in your inability to perform your job, you must let your employer know. You need to make them aware of what the doctor said and you will be required to get a statement from your doctor that you can present to your employer as proof.
Step 4
Sometimes an injury on the job is not serious enough to keep you from working, but it can limit your ability to work your normally scheduled shifts, or performing your normal job duties. It could be possible that you will be able to work in a different capacity in a job at your place of employment. If this is the case, you need to let your employer know. Sometimes they can make arrangements for you to work on a restricted basis performing functions that you can do.
Step 5
As someone who has suffered an injury on the job, you will most likely be required to fill out additional forms for your employer. This is generally due to the fact that your employer’s insurance company is going to require documentation of the injury. Should you be asked to complete additional forms, it is important that you do so.
Step 6
Responsibilities in reporting an injury on the job doesn’t stop with the employee. The person who supervises you also has responsibilities. A supervisor must do the following things in order to make sure the appropriate reporting procedures are fulfilled:
- Complete an incident report within 72 hours of the reported injury
- Submit the form to the appropriate department within the business
- Follow up with the injured employee
- Check and see if it is possible to provide a position to the employee if they are able to return to work with restrictions
Those are the basic responsibilities of the employee and employer in making sure the proper procedure is followed when reporting an on the job injury. With responsibilities lying on both parties, it is important to keep in contact with your employer so you will know if there is anything else you are required to do.
Tips
Reporting procedures with employers may differ.
Make sure you know the polcies and procedures set forth by your employer for reporting an on the job injury.
