If you get an injury while on the job, it is important that you report it to your employer as fast as possible. Do this even if you think the injury is minor or if you are at fault for it.
Regardless of how you need to report it, i.e. through writing or verbally, you will have a limited time to act and make this notification.
What injuries do you report?
The U.S. Department of Labor discusses workers’ compensation insurance as it works across the nation. First, what sort of injuries should you report? If an injury requires you to miss work or receive medical attention, or could result in a condition that makes these things happen, then you should report it. Thus, even something minor like a cut should be reported, as it might become infected later.
For injuries that are not acute, such as the case with repetitive stress injuries or exposure to dangerous substances in a chronic capacity, then simply relay this to your employer when you become aware of it.
When do you get medical aid?
You should also get medical aid as quickly as you can. In emergency situations, get to the emergency room as fast as possible. You should also speak to the human resources department to see what the preferred medical providers are for your job’s workers’ compensation insurance.
If you wish to file for workers’ compensation, your employer must provide you with the proper forms needed. They will send this to the insurer, starting the process. In some cases, you may also need to fill out a claim form.
