Workplace mishaps are a common threat employees encounter in all verticals. While minor mishaps happen more often than you imagine, major ones are also widely prevalent. Workers in inherently dangerous domains like construction and industries are always prone to falls, machinery flaws, and operating errors. But even office employees can sustain injuries due to slip and fall incidents, electrocution, and more. Whichever setting and industry you work in, a workplace accident can cause dire injuries. The worst part is that such injuries can lead to a career disruption. Fortunately, you can start afresh even after a debilitating injury, provided you take the right approach. Here is the best career restart advice after a workplace accident.
Get timely and appropriate medical treatment
The road back to work starts with timely and appropriate medical treatment for your injuries. Even minor cuts and scrapes can indicate deep-seated complications like internal bleeding, nerve damage, and fractures. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications from aggravating enough to affect mobility and cause long-term damage. Moreover, it helps you establish your compensation claim down the line.
Give yourself ample time to recover
Although you may want to return to work sooner than later, it may not always be the right decision. Follow the doctor’s order, and give yourself ample time to recover. Returning too soon may have dire implications because you will probably not be fit enough. Likewise, an injury affects your self-confidence, which may lead to mistakes while operating machinery or working from a height.
Claim compensation for your injuries
This one is a no-brainer because employees are entitled to compensation for the injuries they sustain due to work mishaps. You can rely on an Injury compensation calculator to decide on the claim value you deserve. Never settle for less because financial compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages set you on the right track to rebuilding your career. Also, get an expert attorney on board to seek justice and maximum compensation.
Assess your rejoining options
Your employer is responsible for employee well-being, so accommodating you should be a priority for them. Stay in touch with them during the recovery period, and let them know when you are ready to rejoin. Discuss rejoining options such as work-from-home or getting back into a different role according to your current capacity. Most employers are willing to go the extra mile to help their employees.
Consider being on your own
Your employer may not provide rejoining alternatives, or the ones they offer are not good enough for you. Consider starting afresh on your own. Fortunately, you can explore plenty of WFH options as a freelancer or start a home-based business according to your capabilities. The good thing about being on your own is that you have more freedom and flexibility, which works well for someone with a disability.
Starting a career again after a workplace injury need not be a daunting challenge. The right approach and mindset set you up for success, whether you rejoin your job or start independently.