Do you know what to do if you are injured while on the job? After any injury, it is important to follow certain steps to make sure that the injury is properly dealt with. It may only seem minor, but the injury could be a lot more serious than you know, and you need to make sure that you know your legal rights when it comes to dealing with workplace injuries. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to take if you are injured in the workplace.1. Report the Injury
If you have injured yourself while on the job, it is important that you report the injury immediately. If you are unable to do so, someone else should report the injury on your behalf. At the very least, report to your supervisor to let them know that you are injured and that you need to seek medical treatment. Also, in order to receive compensation if you need to miss time or incur other expenses due to the injury, the report must be filed within 90 days of the date of the injury.
2. Get First Aid
Before leaving the workplace after an injury, make sure that all first-aid has been properly seen to. “For instance, if you received a bad cut, it should be wrapped, and a tourniquet used to slow the bleeding until you can get to the hospital. Avoid taking any medication unless it is specifically prescribed by a physician. First-aid should be performed by an employee or supervisor who has had official first-aid training,” says Dr. Leon Reyfman. 
3. Visit a Doctor
The second thing you need to do after being injured on the job is to be examined by a medical professional. You need to find out how serious the injury is, and what needs to be done in order to treat it. If the injury doesn’t seem serious, you can make an appointment with your personal physician. If you need immediate medical treatment, you may be required to visit a hospital or a clinic. This will need to be documented in order to begin any claim for worker compensation benefits.
4. Get the Accident Report
You need to have a copy of the accident report for your own files. If you have prepared your own accident report, make a copy for yourself. That way, there can be no discrepancies when you are filing your claim for worker compensation. There should be at least three copies: one for you, one for your employer, and one to send off to the worker compensation board.
5. Follow All Medical Advice
If you have been ordered to stay off your feet after an injury, stay home and keep your feet up. If you are prescribed medications, take them. If you do not follow the advice of your physician right to the last letter, it could mean that you won’t get all of the compensation that you deserve. The last thing you need is to be seen being active when you are supposed to be at home resting.
6. Don’t Milk It
Too many people use a minor injury as a means to get a lot of additional benefits, time off from work, etc. Don’t think that employers don’t know when their employees are doing this. All they have to do is read the accident report and reports from your doctor to know just how serious the injury is, and if you are trying to scam the system, it could very well end up backfiring on you. Take what you are entitled to if you need it, but don’t go overboard, because an employer will usually know when you are crying wolf.
