How to Report a Work-Related Injury

Whenever you have a work-related injury, it is imperative that the proper protocol is followed to report your injury. Failing to report the injury properly could result in a denial of workman's compensation benefits that you may have otherwise received for your injury. Although you may not have a major injury, you should still report the incident just in case there is a future flare-up.

Things You'll Need

• Incident report

Instructions

1. Contact your human resources department, supervisor or a superior authority to advise them of the work-related injury. This should be done as soon as possible after the incident happens, preferably before the end of your shift. By reporting the incident before the end of your shift, you can prevent suspicion that the incident happened outside of the work environment.

2. Complete an incident report regarding the injury. The incident report should include the details such as what happened, how it happened, when it happened, when it was reported, where it happened and who saw it happen.

3. Describe the nature of your injury and the specific body part affected. For example, a cut on the inside of the right index finger or a bruise to the lower left leg. Be very specific.

4. Take pictures of the injury if there is visible evidence of bodily injury. Also take pictures of the incident scene. For example, if it was a loose piece of flooring that caused you to fall, take a picture of it.

5. Report the injury to your company's compliance hotline so that the injury will be documented in your company's database. The compliance hotline number might be posted in the breakroom area. If you are unaware of the number, ask you human resources department. In some cases, the human resources department will make the call for you.

6. Keep a record of all medical attention and medical bills you received as a result of your injury.

References

• Sample Incident Report
• Sample Workplace Injury Reporting Guidelines