3 things you should do after a workplace injury

Work injuries are not uncommon, and tragically can include workplace death. Injuries can happen at work, when travelling to or from work, when you are on a scheduled break or as a direct consequence of performing your duties at a location that is not your usual place of work.

It is important to understand your rights and entitlements if you suffer a work injury. It is also important to understand what steps you should take to help ensure your interests are protected.

Here are three things that you should do to if you experience a workplace accident:

1. Lodge a report

It’s important that you report the incident and your injury to your employer as soon as possible and ensure it is recorded. If your employer does not provide you with a copy of the incident report make your own personal record of what you told your employer, when and who you reported it to.

2. See your doctor

Make an appointment with a GP as soon as possible. They will record your injuries, and be able to provide you with an opinion as well as any health-related advice that you may require at the time. Importantly, early medical treatment and rehabilitation can be key to helping you return to work as soon as possible if your injuries allow. Of course, some injuries cannot be adequately rehabilitated to allow you to return to work, but it is important to ensure you take all reasonable steps to rehabilitate.

Importantly, early medical treatment and rehabilitation can be key to helping you return to work as soon as possible if your injuries allow. Of course, some injuries cannot be adequately rehabilitated to allow you to return to work, but it is important to ensure you take all reasonable steps to rehabilitate.

3. Fill out a Workers’ Compensation Work Capacity Certificate

If you require treatment and/or time off work, ask your doctor to complete a Workers’ Compensation Work Capacity Certificate as you will need this to lodge a claim.