Returning to work after a serious injury can be a difficult time for a worker, especially one who might still be affected by the physical and mental scars from the accident. Often a workplace accident has a long-term impact on an employee – more than just physical injuries such as broken bones and open wounds. Many returning workers can suffer anxiety that the accident might recur, loss of self-esteem and loss of income.
Upon returning to work, you need to be aware of both your rights and the obligations of your employer. This will ensure you are protected from further injury and are reintroduced into the workplace in an appropriate and safe manner. You should also be up to speed on the often complicated processes involved in making a personal injury claim to cover any long-term financial difficulties arising from the accident. If you’re unsure of your rights and your employer’s responsibilities, seek legal advice from a firm like Sinnamon Lawyers, who have extensive experience in workplace accidents and personal injury claims.
Meanwhile, here are a few things to keep in mind before you walk back through the office door after your workplace injury.
Reasonable adjustments
Depending on the nature of your injury, you cannot be expected to come back to work and take up where you left off before your were injured. Employers are required by law to allow a reasonable time to adjust and recover. This could mean an adjustment to work hours or requirements of the job, like being moved to light duties or temporarily being assigned to a job you would not normally undertake.
Managing the worker’s recovery
As part of the adjustment period, your employer needs to carefully manage not just your return, but your long-term effectiveness. Efforts should be made to monitor the injured worker and see if they need support, discussing any concerns about returning. The employer should also seek information from the worker’s doctor to develop any measures that might help the worker during the recovery period.
Improvement planning
Both the employer and the returning worker need to agree on an improvement plan to help with long-term recuperation and to help manage any medical issues that might arise. This could include setting goals and targets to help the worker move from light duties towards their regular work, and setting up procedures to monitor the process. This will require flexibility from the employer and a willingness of the worker to undertake any reasonable activities that may help their return to full productivity. It would be a good idea to run the improvement plan past the injured worker’s doctor to ensure it meets his or her approval.
Getting back to work is important for you and your family’s financial stability, and it can play a major role in your recovery. It can help return you to an active lifestyle and rebuild your confidence and self-esteem. It is important for all involved to remember that it is a difficult period for both the worker and the employer, and that some flexibility and understanding will be needed during the adjustment period.
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Get well soon. In the company I am working for, whenever someone got injured, medicines are free and health card can be used to cover those expenses. What is more important is a company doctor will look for you or talk to your doctor who is attending to you. Then, the company doctor will address your needs to the company like the days needed for you to fully get back to your 100% condition and things you need especially when you are out of sick leaves. It’s really good that I am part of this company but this kind of special treatment is for those who are in managerial positions.
The toughest part has to be if you were away for a long time and there is someone else at your desk doing your job. Sure they have to take you back but they can lower your duties and that means no promotion for the next year or more.