Unfortunately, regardless of the type of job you have, there’s always a possibility that an injury will happen at work. However, in the event that you are injured, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, surgery, pain, or life-altering effects that may occur. With a local OSHA training course, employees and employers can all be made aware of how to handle an injury at work.
1. Report the Injury
As soon as you have been injured, make a report right away. Notify your manager and supervisor in writing about what happened. Give as many details as possible about what caused the injury. Note the location, time, date, what caused the injury, and so on. If you’re confused during this part of the process, refer to your OSHA training course materials that your employer should have provided for you.
2. Get Medical Care
Regardless of how minor your injury may seem, seek medical care right away. The injury may seem small now, but it can actually become aggravated in the future. Let a professional perform the right X-rays and test to let you know if you have a sprain, a strain, something that’s broken, or more.
3. Copy Everything
Make sure you have at least one copy, if not more, of every document that’s a part of your worker injury claim. That includes your medical records, your related bills, official reports, related meetings, and more. If you’ve had to travel and spend gas money to go to the doctor or attend a meeting with your lawyer, note what you spent regarding these claims.
4. Hire a Lawyer
It’s essential to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to represent your concerns. These claims may be complex and challenging if you don’t have the right legal help. Having a lawyer on your side can help prevent any delays or issues. A qualified lawyer can act as a mediator who can help negotiate with the other parties involved, which will come in handy if there is any dispute from the other side.
Many industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and industrial work, come with hazards. If there are 10 or more employees at a business at any time of the year, keeping thorough OSHA injury and illness records is a must, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Enrolling in an OSHA training course can help keep businesses and employees informed about work hazards and how to handle them. Contact ETC Compliance Solutions today to learn more about our courses.