Workplace accidents are far more common than you think, but understanding how to handle it calmly and correctly is so important. Whether you’re working in a warehouse, in the office, or even a hospital, there are accidents waiting to happen. Slips, trips and falls are very common with the wet floors, uneven services and trailing cables.
All it takes is one misstep and suddenly you’re on the floor feeling embarrassed – or both. While it may be tempting to brush it off and carry on with your day, it’s so important to take a slip at work seriously. Aside from the fact that you could be suffering from an injury, you really have to consider the fact that the long term effects of that injury may not show up straight away. So let’s take a look at what you should do if you slip over at work.
1. Get medical help straight away
Even if you think it’s just a bump, you should make sure that you’re getting your injury looked at. Not only will adrenaline mask paint, but minor injuries can become major if they’re ignored. If it is serious, you should call for emergency assistance because your workplace is first aider may not be equipped. Medical documentation is going to be a must for later on if you need help to file a report or work with a workers compensation attorney. Once you get your medical help, make sure that you bring home a copy of your paperwork and keep extra copies just in case.
2. Report the accident to your employer
You have to let somebody in authority know what’s happened as soon as you can, ideally your manager or a supervisor. Almost every workplace is required to keep an accident book to log incidents like this, which can help to track workplace safety issues and be vital evidence later on. Be as clear and as factual as possible about what happened, where you fell, what caused it, and whether anyone saw it. If possible, make the record in writing so that you can see what’s being entered into the record.
3. Pictures are helpful
If you’re able to take photos, do it! Taking photos of the area where you slipped is important, especially if you’re physically able to have a trusted colleague do it for you. Otherwise, was there a spill? Was there loose carpet? Is the lighting poor? Was there a crack in the floorboards that could have been fixed? All of these questions need to be answered, and the more that you can capture about the scene, the better.
4. Get some witness statements
If anybody saw the fall or the hazard that caused the fall in the first place, ask them if they’re willing to give a statement. Something quick like a written note or an e-mail from a colleague confirming what they saw can really support your version of events, which you will need later on. Having independent accounts can also make it much easier to address the issue without turning it into a he said she said situation.
5. Don’t rush back too soon
There is a lot of pressure to bounce back quickly after an injury, especially if people think it wasn’t that bad. But pushing yourself too soon can delay your healing and make the injury far worse. Take the time that you need to recover properly and make sure that your doctor has signed you off if necessary. You want to make sure you’re still being adequately compensated while you await a compensation claim and while you await recovery.
6. Ask about changing the outcome
A slip at work is not just a personal injury issue, but it’s a safety concern that can have an effect on other people. It’s important that you stand up for yourself, but also stand up for others who could be affected by the same issues that you were. Things such as adding non-slip mats, fixing loose flooring or improving signage can all help to stop it from happening to somebody else. Your employer has a legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment and you can be there to raise the issue constructively and bring about positive change.
7. Focus on your recovery
Don’t let the guilt and the frustration or even the embarrassment get in the way of you recovering and getting what you need from your outcome. Workplace accidents may be common, but they don’t have to keep happening if you can prevent them. When you’re ready to return to work, speak to your employer about any adjustments that may be needed to make things easier in the short term.
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