Don't get hurt at work but if you do these hints might just help you secure your claim

    Report to first-aid immediately – Paragraph 1 of the WCB act requires that the worker report to the employer “as
soon as practicable” and may disallow a claim if this is not done.  As well, unreasonable delay from injury time until report time will be investigated (unreasonable in the company’s judgment).  This will result in a probable denial of your claim.
     
    On the first aid report – try and remember one incident or a combination of incidents that were responsible for your injury.  A vague first-aid report of “I’m not sure what happened, it was a busy day” will result in a probable denial, or at least Kruger will ask for an investigation into the injury. Put down witnesses if someone saw you hurt yourself.  Make notes for yourself so that you can recall the incident later
    
    Go to your doctor as soon as you can.  Go to Emergency/Clinic if you can’t see your doctor.  WCB has said – “any time a lapse of more than 2 or 3 days between the first-aid report and the doctor’s visit occurs this will probably result in a denial.

    Go to recommended therapy (if required), on a regular basis.  Report back to first-aid every day you work and your injury still hurts.  A clear track record of help from the first-aid report on will help secure your claim if you suddenly have to go off work.

    If the caseworker calls you or comes in for a workplace assessment and asks you about your outside activities, you must co-operate, but be careful of your answers.  WCB and the company will try to relate your outside activities to your injury. Example – Tendonitis in your elbow – “I play tennis.”

    Contact the union office. We need to know so we can send a representative with you and the caseworker. As well we need to send in representative forms in to help you deal with your claim.

    Know that when you sign the WCB form giving them disclosure of your medical records, you are giving them access to ALL of your medical information, even things that are not related to your injury.  If you want a claim you must sign this, but be aware of what it means.  You can direct your Doctor to give out only relevant information but you may get denied by the Doctor.  We will fight this if need be.

    Telling your foreman you’re hurt but not going to first-aid will not get you a claim.  If your condition gets worse and you go off any claim will be denied.

    Be sure to report to first-aid before going on days off (Do not think that you will recover with rest).

    Do not use vacation time or earned time off as a means of recuperation.