reporting work-related injury & illness

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Introduction

Even with all the safe work practices and training available in the workplace, injuries and illnesses still happen. When an injury or illness happens, an employee needs to report it to their supervisor immediately or as soon as possible if circumstances prevent the employee from reporting it immediately.

TYPE OF INJURY & ILLNESS THAT NEED TO BE REPORTED

When an employee is hurt or gets sick in their line of work, no matter how minor, they should report
it immediately to their supervisor or a designated person under their company’s policy. Examples of
injuries and illness that should be reported include:

Injuries

Any minor injury that requires a band aid
o This is due to the threat of cuts getting infected or any other types of exposure to
bloodborne pathogens.
• Biological exposures such as needle sticks or any other contact made with blood or other bodily
fluids
• Severe lacerations or punctures that require stitches
• Sprains
• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Injuries involving hospital treatment, ambulance transport or time away from work
• Injuries resulting from the exposure to chemicals

Illness

• Chemical poisoning
• Temperature related illness
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
• Occupational Dermatitis
• Occupational Asthma
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
Note: Due to the nature of illnesses, it may take some time for symptoms to appear. Symptoms and
a diagnosis should be reported as soon as possible.
Note: Employees should not self-diagnosis. If an employee starts to experience symptoms
associated with an illness and they feel that it is work related, they should seek professional medical
assistance.

HOW TO REPORT

Employees should always follow their company’s specific procedures for reporting injuries and
illnesses that occur at work. Injuries and illnesses should be reported immediately or as soon as
possible.
When reporting an injury or illness, an employee should do the following:
• Report the injury or symptoms immediately (or as soon as possible if you are seeking medical
treatment) to your supervisor or designated person.
• Give details about the injury or symptoms. Details include:
o Date
o Time
o Description of the work area and activities being performed
o The names of eyewitnesses or coworkers who aided the employee
o Symptoms (if applicable)
Note: If possible, give an estimated time of when symptoms first appeared.
• Fill out any forms that relate to the reporting of a work-related injury or illness.
o Depending on the situation, your employer may give you a form for your medical provider
or other medical professional to fill out. Return this form as soon as possible to your
supervisor or designated person.
• Keep your supervisor or designated person up-to-date on any ongoing medical treatment or
accommodations that you are receiving or will need.

DO NOT DELAY TREATMENT

Do not delay seeking treatment to report an injury or illness. If medical treatment is needed immediately, you should get treated and then report the injury or illness.

DO NOT HESITATE TO REPORT AN INJURY OR ILLNESS

Employees should not hesitate to report an injury or illness. Employers cannot retaliate against an employee for reporting a work-related injury or llness.

FALSE REPORTING

It is a crime for an employee to knowingly file a fraudulent workers’ compensation claim. Any person
who files a false workers’ compensation claim is guilty of a crime and may be subject to criminal
charges which may be punishable by up to (5) years in prison and/or a fine of up to $150,000.

CONCLUSION

When an injury or illness occurs at the workplace, an employee needs to report it. Even a minor
injury should be reported. Some employees may think that minor things, such as a paper cut, do not
need to be reported; after all they can just put a band aid on it and return to work. However,
employees need to remember that even paper cuts can get infected. Both you and your supervisor
want you to be able to work and part of that includes getting injuries and illnesses treated and
reported.