Your first few days, weeks and months after a serious accident can be hard. Having physical pains and aches as well as the mental adjustment can be particularly challenging. Saying hello to colleagues and sitting at your desk again can feel unusual after a long time away. If you feel fit enough to work, but still feel as if you may need some guidance, here are a few tips for making the best out of a bad situation.
Ask for support
Your boss and company should be there to support you after recovery from an accident – there’s no doubt about that. Your company should be there to give you guidance and information as you get back into the swing of things. If you feel as if they aren’t doing their upmost, then you should request support. Formulating a return-to-work procedure that works for you will help you feel less isolated and far less intimidated by the prospect of going back into a nine-to-five.
Have regular check-ins with your boss
Having regular meetings with your boss is so important when it comes to returning to work after an accident. When you return to work after an accident, you will need to ensure that you are looking after your own health, alongside any support from your employer. However, it’s good to know that your line-manager is there to listen if you need it. It is much easier to get a sense of your progress if you have a boss who can help understand what it is you need assistance with on a weekly basis and what it is you might be struggling with. This will also make accommodating your needs much easier for your employer, as they will have a direct line of communication.
Formalize legal proceedings
If your accident was the result of negligence, either by a healthcare provider, company or careless driver, you shouldn’t let this go unresolved. Knowing that your accident was unfair and not down to your own failings can be particularly distracting – especially when you’re trying to return to work. If you’re based in California, then finding an Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer would be the best option for you.
See if this was preventable
If your injury was work-related, you want to make sure that this doesn’t happen again. On top of that, your employer could probably benefit from understanding what went wrong. The best ways to prevent an accident from occurring are as follows:
- Educating the team
- Investing in adequate equipment
- Ensuring that all personnel are appropriate for the job
These simple steps could not only prevent the accident from happening again. Even if your injury wasn’t caused by your workplace, ensuring that you practice good workplace safety could prevent you from making it much worse.
What will ultimately make it easier for you to return to work after an accident is a supportive employer. Having regular check-ins with your boss, as well as your doctor, will help you get back into your old job, without feeling rushed or uncomfortable.
