How to Return to Work After a Workplace Accident

Did you know that someone is injured every seven seconds while on the job? Strains, sprains, soreness, cuts, and lacerations are some of the most common accidents that can occur in the workplace. Despite how much you take care of yourself while at work, unfortunate accidents may occur anytime. If you have encountered an accident in your workplace recently, you may find it challenging to get back on your feet again. This may be troublesome especially if you are struggling to recover and are not aware of your rights as an employee. Discover how you can smoothly return to work by reading our post below.

Attend Your Follow Up Appointments

Returning to work too early can put your health at risk. Skipping your follow-up appointments with your doctor can worsen your health and add more damage to your injuries. Hence, it is important to strictly follow your doctor’s medical treatment plan. Your follow-up appointment is very critical on your road to full-recovery as it offers an opportunity for you to discuss issues with your medication, your test results, and other medical issues that may arise. Your follow-up appointments can also identify hidden injuries that may need more treatment and other underlying issues that may affect the progress of your recovery. 

Ask Your Doctor For A Work Restrictions Slip

Before you go back to work, make sure you secure a fit-to-work note from your doctor which includes details on your work restrictions. Once you have this, make sure to provide copies to your employer and immediate supervisor right away. If you have been injured at work, there are certain tasks that you may not be able to perform. It is important not to push yourself beyond your limitations so that you will not add further damage to your injuries.  You should also provide copies of your work restriction slip to your immediate supervisor and employer so that they are fully aware of your limitations. 

File A Worker’s Compensation Claim

When you are hurt or injured while on the job, you have the right to be reimbursed or compensated. If you have suffered an injury, you need to report and file your claim right away. It is important that you need to compile medical evidence that proves that you were hurt while working. Remember your employer or your insurance company may fight for your claim. Without a strong set of evidence, you may not receive the compensation you deserve even if you were indeed hurt while on the job. To address this, you should contact a lawyer to strengthen your case and help you achieve the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

Consider a Phased Return

If you are still in pain, then it is recommended for you to let yourself fully heal first. Remember, your health should be your top priority. Even if your doctor has already declared you are fit to work, a good dialogue about your current condition should be raised. Alternatively, you can also set a phased return instead of doing full-time work. A phased return is a set up where you may receive a lighter workload, have reduced hours, or a different set of tasks until you are fully recovered. This is a good option especially if you are not fully healed yet, as it will give you time to restore your strength and energy. If you are considering this option, make sure to only agree to tasks or duties you feel you are capable of doing so and do not go beyond your body’s limits.

Set Reasonable Adjustments

One of the most challenging things about going back to work after an accident is trying to work normally. Your injuries or current condition may affect the way you work and the tasks that you have previously carried on may seem too difficult for you to accomplish. To address this issue, it is best to speak with your doctor and your employer for advice on how to make adjustments to your current working condition. Changes may be made to your work station, working environment, and overall responsibilities depending on your health and capabilities. However, it is also important to note that the work adjustments should not only be fair to you but also to your coworkers and the entire company. 

Going back to work after a life-changing accident may be tough but it is doable. With sufficient preparation and support, your life will be back to normal. To ensure your full recovery, it is important to discuss your options with your doctor, employer, and lawyer if needed.