How to Report a Work-Related Injury

Follow these steps to make sure you are back to work as soon as possible

According to OSHA, in 2016 there were 2.9 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported. OSHA has helped to continuously reduce the number of reports over the years, however, 2.9 injuries per 100 is still a high number. Even with regulations and taking precautions, a workplace injury or illness can still happen. Thus, it is important to know the process of filing a claim for workers’ compensation. Follow these steps to report a workplace injury or illness occurs:

1. Seek Medical Attention
   1. If the injury is an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or emergency center. Otherwise, adhere to your company’s procedures and visit the approved medical provider.

2. Notify Your Supervisor
   1. Promptly inform your employer about the injury within the statutory deadlines, but the sooner the better. Even if you do not suspect an injury, it is a good idea to report all workplace accidents in case an injury arises after the deadline. Make sure to also notify your employer in writing to have an official record.

3. File A Report
   1. It is the employer’s responsibility to inform the injured employee about the claim process. The employee will seek medical attention at the approved medical clinic where a doctor will file a report alongside the employee’s injury claim. Employers may be required to report any workplace injury or illness even if it is not eligible for workers’ compensation.  Injured employees are typically asked to provide the following information on the claim form:
   2. Type of injury and affected areas of the body
   3. Date, time, and location of the injury
   4. Parties involved in the accident
   5. How the accident occurred
   6. Any medical treatment you have received

4. Claim Process
   1. The employer will file your claim with its insurer and the state workers’ compensation board office. After your claim is evaluated by the insurer, an administrator will notify you about whether your claim has been accepted or not.

5. Modify Duty Restrictions
   1. Work with the restrictions set forth by an approved workers’ compensation provider while on modified duty.

6. Return to work
   1. Employees must receive medical clearance to return to work. The employer is responsible for “re-training” the employee and taking precautions to prevent similar injuries.

Though every state’s laws are different, the above steps are a general guide to the workers’ compensation process.  Getting injured on the job is hard enough. We want to help you recover and return to work as soon as possible. You, your employer, and Nova Medical Centers can work together to achieve this goal.