“The consequences of not reporting [workplace incidents include] that there is no record that there was an incident in the workplace, and should it develop into a more serious injury that needs medical attention, and there’s no record for the employer to look back at. Also, no corrective action can take place in the workplace, there’s no investigation, and possibly safety issues not corrected.”
Waller remembers one of her client’s story vividly. Her client worked as a tailor, and had a horrible experience when her workplace injuries caused her too much pain.
“I have seen a worker that had an on-going repetitive straining injury and continued to work. [She] was treated but didn’t report that it was work-related. When it became so serious, it impacted her ability to work. There was no report in the workplace, the employer had no clue, and it made it difficult to adjudicate the case. She hasn’t fully recovered… and [the injury] became more and more serious.”
“People that do highly repetitive work, and very physical work [are the most vulnerable to workplace injuries] because their bodies are working beyond what its designed to do. People build up endurance for it, but it can result in a repetitive strain.”
Ultimately, Waller has one golden rule to share with workers.
“Work safely…, follow the [safety] rules because you don’t want to be injured, it’s the last thing you want to do. If you are injured, report it first to your employer right away and [get] medical attention [if you need it].”
The London Injured Workers Support Group provides services and help for injured workers and their families.
