No matter what industry you work in, there’s always a chance you can be hurt. Read on for a guide on what to do next. While some sectors are more dangerous than others, construction is one of the most dangerous occupations. Despite this, millions of people are unsure of what to do immediately after a construction site accident. If you’ve been injured at work, it’s essential to access the medical help you need. In addition to this, you may want to consider taking the following steps:
Reporting the Incident
Most construction site employers insist that workers report any injuries or accidents as soon as they occur. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, OSHA may carry out a subsequent investigation. By recording your workplace injuries, you can ensure you’ve alerted the relevant personnel to the incident.
You must inform your employer that an accident has occurred. Thus you could potentially prevent anyone else from being injured similarly. Once your employer is aware of how you’ve been hurt, they can take steps to determine whether their in-house processes carry an elevated risk of injury. If so, steps can be taken to improve safety in the workplace. This could help to keep your colleagues or anyone else from sustaining the same injuries you’ve experienced.
Collecting Evidence
Having evidence relating to the incident can be useful in several ways. If there is a subsequent investigation into the accident, for example, your evidence could be used to highlight unsafe working practices or as a basis for introducing new safety procedures at the construction site.
Taking photographs or video of your injuries is one way of collecting evidence that relates to the incident. Additionally, you may want to request a copy of your medical records, so that you can show exactly what injuries you sustained and what treatment you received. Making a note of anyone who witnessed the accident can also be useful, in case they are required to state a later date.
Taking Legal Action
If you’ve been hurt at work, you could be eligible to claim compensation. By consulting with a personal injury lawyer, you can ascertain exactly what your rights are and how much compensation you could be entitled to.
In some instances, it may be appropriate to claim workers’ compensation. If so, your legal team will be able to assist you in filing your claim and obtaining compensation swiftly. Alternatively, you may be able to claim against your employer directly. If they’ve been negligent, for example, your personal injury attorneys can help you negotiate a settlement or take the case to court.
Dealing with Workplace Injuries
Any injury can be difficult to cope with, but long-term or life-changing injuries can be particularly hard to adapt to. If you will be unable to return to work, for example, you may be worried about what your future holds. While obtaining compensation won’t alleviate the pain and suffering you’re experiencing, it can ensure that you won’t suffer financially because of a workplace accident.