A Step-by-Step Plan if You Get Hurt on the Job

Getting hurt at work is surprisingly common. An estimated 1.8 million people went to the emergency room for injuries sustained on the job in 2020. While exhaustion and bodily overuse account for many injuries, you can also become hurt by objects in your workplace’s environment. Even slips and falls can cause serious injury.

If you’re hurt at work, you may wonder what you should do. Our providers at Cermak Immediate Care offer a helpful step-by-step guide so you can be prepared should you ever get injured on the job.

Common workplace injuries

The most common types of injuries you might sustain on the job include:

• Slips and falls (nearly falling can also cause injury)
• Getting cut or burned on workplace equipment
• Repetitive strain injuries (common for jobs requiring repeated motions all day) 
• Back injuries
• Injuries caused by car accidents (when driving for a company)

Many injuries are the result of simple mistakes, but in some cases, the workplace itself is unsafe. 

What to do first if injured on the job

Your first responsibility is to tell someone at work, preferably your manager or someone in human resources.

Employers are required to report all workplace injuries to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.) In most cases, OSHA will investigate the cause of your injuries and may instruct your workplace to make necessary changes (if applicable) to prevent future similar injuries.

Follow up with medical care

You’ll need to make an appointment at our practice as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Our providers at Cermak Immediate Care are fully capable of handling workplace injuries. In addition, we’re open beyond standard business hours, and we don’t require appointments.

If it’s determined you need time to recover or get additional treatment, we’ll be able to tell based on the results of an examination.

Although you may feel some pressure to return to work as soon as possible, in some cases, the only thing you need is a little bit of time to recover and heal.

Concerns about pay

If you’re going to be out of work for a while, the state workers’ compensation program will cover most of your paycheck.

How much you get is determined by the severity of your injuries. You may be temporarily disabled, permanently disabled, or you may recover on your own just fine. 

Workers can also be permanently damaged by toxic exposures to substances they work with. We can tell you how long you’ll be affected by your injuries and how capable you are of returning to work.

Getting hurt at work is never pleasant. But there are workplace programs designed to protect your interests. If you’ve been hurt at work, you should seek our medical treatment as soon as possible. Sometimes, injuries can get worse if you don’t begin treating them quickly enough.

To learn more, contact us at Cermak Immediate Care or request an appointment online today.