Take These Steps After a Work Injury

Dealing with any injury is difficult. Getting hurt at work adds a layer of complications. 

Who needs to know you were hurt? Can you go to any doctor you want, or do you need to see a one chosen by your company? Is there specific paperwork that needs to be completed? Is your company responsible for the cost of your care? 

The expert providers at Orthocenter treat workplace injuries, and we understand the complex nature of navigating the process. We can offer you advice, but most importantly, we can provide treatment and get you on the road to recovery. 

The type of job you have doesn’t matter

Obviously, the more physical your job is, the higher your risk of getting injured. However, the most common work injuries are slips, trips, and falls — and those kinds of injuries can happen anywhere. 

According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest number of nonfatal injuries in 2015 happened to laborers and those who work in freight, stock, and material moving positions. Other occupations with frequent injuries include: 

• Truck drivers
• Janitors and cleaners
• Nursing assistants
• Maintenance and repair people

The National Safety Council reports that slips, trips, and falls were the third-most common type of workplace injury in 2020. 

These injuries include slips and trips without falling, such as when you catch yourself before you fall; falling on the same level; falling to a lower level such as through a surface or from a ladder; and injuries sustained while jumping. 

Another common type of injury comes from repetitive stress. These injuries don’t occur suddenly like a fall, but can cause lasting issues. Some examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, lower back pain, and neck pain. 

The first things you should do

When you get injured at work, the very first thing you should do is notify your supervisor in writing if at all possible. The sooner you file a report about your injury, the more likely it is you’ll have a legal right to workers’ compensation. You should also keep a copy of the report for your own records. 

The second thing you should do is seek medical care. Many injuries can be more successfully treated the sooner you begin treatment. 

Why orthopedic care may help

Many workplace injuries involve your musculoskeletal system, which is what orthopedic doctors specialize in treating. For example, overuse injuries usually affect the soft tissues of your joints, and tripping can cause a sprained ankle or even whiplash. 

When you come to us for care after sustaining an injury at work, the first thing we do is evaluate your injury. 

After that, we build a plan designed to help you recover. Your plan may include physical therapy, modifying your activities while you heal, or even an ergonomic evaluation of your work to reduce your risk of reinjury. 

If you’ve been injured at work, we may be able to help. Call today or schedule an appointment online at one of our three convenient locations in Red Bank, Morganville, or Holmdel, New Jersey.