Even though we are living in a digital age where many of us are sitting at desks working at computers, we still have an injury-prone workplace. According to an article in Fortune, there were 3 million people who had an employer-reported illness or injury in the private sector in 2015.
An on-the-job injury can occur in a variety of ways—and in a variety of industries—and it is your employer’s responsibility to provide medical care and compensation through workers’ compensation. So, what are the most injury-prone workplaces, and what happens next after we sustain an injury at work?
THE MOST INJURY PRONE WORKPLACES
According to the same article in Fortune, the workplaces where you are most likely to incur an injury on the job are animal production, nursing, and residential care facilities, couriers and messengers, wood product manufacturing, and air transportation. In animal production, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there was an incidence of a staggering 6.6 injuries per 100 workers. This data was based on the incidence rate but does not include occupational illnesses (or conditions that result from exposure to chemicals or biological matter).
Of course, these five industries are not the only ones in which you can sustain an injury on the job. No matter how mild or serious the job or the injury, your employer should assist the employee with medical bills and compensation.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER A WORKPLACE INJURY IN GEORGIA?
After you get hurt on the job, the first thing you should do is tell your employer that you have suffered an on-the-job injury (unless of course, your injury is an emergency or life-threatening situation in which case you should seek immediate medical attention). If any reports or notes were written about the incident, it’s crucial to get a copy of those for your records.
Once the incident has been reported to your employer, you should make an appointment with a physician as soon as possible. According to Georgia law, your employer is required to post a traditional panel of physicians that lists at least six professionals that you can choose from OR post a Workers’ Compensation Managed Care Organization with a toll-free number you can call so they can assist you in scheduling an appointment with a physician.
After you see your care provider, you should keep your employer in the loop about any specific care that you require (such as work restrictions). Be sure to give any written instructions to your employer and keep a copy for yourself for your own records.
You should also ensure that your employer is providing their insurer with all of the up-to-date information about your on-the-job injuries so that they can pay for your medical bills.
Confused about your Workers’ Compensation rights or not getting the full benefits you deserve from your employer? Reach out to Randy E. Fry, Workers’ Compensation attorney in Atlanta, at (404) 948-3571 to help guide you through filing your claim.
