Coping with an Injury at Work: A Guide

Whether you spend your days loading boxes in a warehouse or your job is to work on your computer in an office, there is always the potential to hurt yourself in the workplace and when you least expect it.

Freak accidents that really no one can fully prepare for are frightening, and this is where a health and safety guide is useful. Even common injuries such as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) or losing your balance can affect how you can perform at work. There are also less common injuries, including being struck by falling objects or suffering a laceration while preparing your lunch in the workplace kitchen.

Injuries can also affect your confidence and recovery may be slow. When you have been injured, your quality of life can be compromised.

How do you cope with an injury which occurred at work, regardless of what it is? Our guide below will talk you through the steps you need to take, from prevention to after recovery is over.

Prevention

Of course, preventing the injury in the first place is what all employer’s and employees’ should strive to do. How do you do this effectively as a business owner? You need to ensure you are training every employee on the correct procedures in health and safety within your company, especially if they are dealing with the handling of large objects. It means that everyone should be aware of the right way to lift heavy boxes, and who to turn to should an accident occur, whether that’s an HR rep or a specially trained employee who knows first aid, depending on the injury.

The Initial Accident

If you have been injured at work, there are a few key things to remember when it happens. Firstly, you need to report it immediately, and whoever you report it to needs to make it clear to the rest of the team what has happened. For example, if you slipped in the warehouse, a sign will need to be put in place, so your colleagues don’t suffer the same fate. Ensure you get appropriate medical attention as soon as you can, be it a trip to the local accident and emergency department, or seeing the first aider in the office. If you slip and hurt your back, you mustn’t move, and you wait for a medical professional to assess you.

Recovery

Depending on the severity of your workplace injury, recovery may be swift, or it may be time-consuming, resulting in weeks off work. Throughout the recovery period, you must follow any doctor’s or physician’s orders. If they recommend you keep off your feet for a while, keep off your feet! Not doing so may impact how your body recovers. It might be worthwhile contacting personal injury solicitors like ElDabe Ritter Trial Lawyers if the accident wasn’t your fault. They can help you receive the compensation you deserve, and this money can help cover the costs as you take the time to get back to normal.

Afterward

After the injury or accident, it’s only natural to be hesitant to return to the workplace, especially if you’ve had a significant amount of time off. However, if you feel able to do so, going back to your job can help you regain your sense of normality. Of course, you’ll be more cautious about future accidents, but that should help prevent anything happening in future.

An injury or accident in the workplace can be a painful, scary, and potentially life-changing experience, and one which you should do your utmost to prevent. However, it could happen to anyone, and if it does happen to you, our above guide should help you cope with the worst.