In this age of technological and social advancement, you would think that work injuries would be on the decline. That is not the case, however, as the number of preventable workplace fatalities actually increased by nine percent in 2021.
Suffering from a work injury can complicate your life in many ways. Not only will you be faced with the decision to take time off of work to recover physically, but you may also have to deal with challenging legal claims, too. It is understandable that you will likely want to get back to work as soon as possible, but it is crucial that you take your time and do things the right way.
Speeding through the recovery process could make it even harder to return to work after an injury. Find out exactly how to go about tending to your work injury, putting any claims you want to pursue in motion, and creating a work reintegration plan below.
Dealing with Your Workplace Injury the Right Way
First off, you never want to return to work until you have dealt with your work injury the right way. Never assume that your injury isn’t that bad. Instead, get the proper medical care you deserve. If your employer has workers’ compensation coverage, it might be in your best interests to ask them what medical facilities are covered before you seek care.
Listen to your doctor’s orders and follow them closely. Do not risk re-injury by downplaying what happened or returning to work without getting treated first.
Know and Understand Your Limitations and Work Restrictions
Next, know and understand any work restrictions you may face upon returning to your job after an injury. For instance, you may not be able to do any heavy lifting for some time. You may need a work-hardening program to get back to your normal routine. You might also need accommodations until you are fully recovered. Your employer can and should modify your work duties where possible to ensure you can still work with your new limitations.
Do Not Return to Work Until You Are Ready
This tip should go without saying, but far too many individuals return to work before they are ready and healed enough to do so. Do not try to push yourself. If you make this mistake, you could risk re-injury, disrupting your healing process, and even diminishing any possibility for financial recovery.
Create Your Reintegration Plan
Before you make your big appearance back in the office, work with your employer to create a reintegration plan. This step is especially important if you have any work restrictions that you need accommodations for. Make sure your employer understands your injury, condition, and needs as they change.
Take Your Time and Heal
When deciding whether to return to work after an injury, make sure to take your time, and do not rush your decision. If you go back to work before you are physically ready, you could end up hurting yourself more, which may necessitate additional medical treatment and more time off.
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