Dealing With Work Injury

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Legal )



The Workplace as a Common Cause of Injury

Work injury can happen anytime, especially when you least expect it. You can slip and fall, get bruised by a malfunctioning machine, or suffer back pain due to physical job requirements.

While many cases of injury at work may have been purely accidental in nature, some others had been due to the company's negligence and irresponsibility. Some companies may have wanted to save on capital expenses, so they fail to install safety latches or acquire good strong furniture to prevent damage that can lead to work place injury.

Normal Procedures for Work Injury

If you're the employee, you need to inform your immediate supervisor or a co-worker about your injury at the time it happens. You also need to contact your company infirmary staff or health service provider.

Your boss will fill out a work injury claim form and refer it to the claims administrator. The claims administrator will decide whether you will be entitled to worker's compensation, a type of insurance coverage for work injuries.

Once the claim is approved, you will receive free medical care and you may even be entitled to some cash reimbursement of lost wages due to work injury.

In case you filed a claim which is denied, you may still contest it if you strongly believe that the injury was due to working conditions. In such cases, you should seek the advice of a competent lawyer who specializes in this type of dispute.

Advice for the Employee

You can prevent work injury by being careful as you move around your work place. Keep your eyes open and don't read, run full speed, or engage in useless conversation while walking around company premises or using stairs.

If you're not familiar with a piece of equipment, have your boss or a more experienced co-worker explain its operation. Never operate any machinery without first reading and thoroughly understanding the instructions. Wear safety goggles , headgear, aprons or gloves to guard your body against any injury.

Be alert in reporting any signs of equipment malfunction. Timely notification can prevent fires or serious accidents.

Have your physician check you regularly for any signs of stress or injury that may be related to the equipment or furniture you are using at work. Call the attention of company officials if you have proof of such work injury.

Advice for the Employer

To prevent injuries at work, you will need to invest in various devices such as sprinklers, fire alarms, insulation and lighting. Keep the work place clean, dry and well-ventilated for your employees in terms of temperature and lighting.

Respond immediately to any employee complaints about the work area, and make a thorough investigation of the complaint. Don't wait until an incident happens before correcting the problem.

Remember that an injured employee translates to lost productivity for your company, and possible loss of someone who could have contributed significantly to your company's performance.


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