Reporting a work injury to your employer promptly and correctly is highly important. This is crucial in the workers’ compensation process. Here’s how to notify your employer of a work injury:
1. Report the Injury Immediately
- Timing: Report the injury to your employer. You have 90 days to report a work injury in Arizona.
- Verbal Notification: Notify your manager, your supervisor, or the human resources department right away. Narrate everything. Do not leave out any details.
2. Written Notification
- Create a Written Report: Submit a written report to your employer as well. It is useful for future disputes.
- Your name, job title, and contact information
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- A detailed description of how the injury occurred
- Any witnesses to the incident
- The nature of your injuries
- Any initial medical treatment you received
3. Use the Employer’s Reporting Forms
- Employer’s Injury Report Form: Use the correct form to report work-related injuries. Submit the form immediately for it to be part of the official records.
- Arizona Industrial Commission Form 101: Your employer must file the “Employer’s Report of Injury” form with their workers’ compensation insurance carrier and the Arizona Industrial Commission (ICA). Provide your employer with accurate information to ensure the form is correct and complete.
4. Keep Copies of All Documentation
- Secure a copy of the written report and other relevant documents. This includes correspondence, medical records, and accomplished forms.
5. Seek Medical Attention
- Do not delay seeking medical attention. Inform your healthcare provider that your injury is work-related. It is essential that you accurately record your medical condition to support your workers’ compensation claim.
- Employers have designated healthcare providers for incidents not requiring emergency case. Ask the right department on this.
6. Follow-Up with Your Employer
- Employers in Arizona are required to report the workplace injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier and the ICA. Confirm this with the appropriate department.
Additional Tips for Reporting a Work Injury:
- Stay Professional: Stay factual and refrain from placing blame on anyone. The objective is to document the incident for workers’ compensation purposes.
- Be Honest and Detailed: Be specific and honest. Give a detailed account of the injury to avoid confusion or disputes on the claim.
- Request Medical Leave Information: Consult the HR department on medical leave policies. Complete the required forms for extended absences.
Ensure that your workers’ compensation claim is processed smoothly with timely and accurate reporting. This necessary for accessing adequate medical care and wage loss benefits.