Some practical advice if you have a work accident
You just had a work accident? What bad luck! However, in order not to be both a victim of an employment injury and the CSST claim process, here is some practical advice for you…
First, you must inform your manager of your work accident before you leave the institution if you are capable of doing so, or if not, as soon as possible, and complete the internal accident report. It is also important to quickly consult your physician so that he can examine your injury, make a true diagnosis with a suffix other than “algia” and issue an initial medical certificate on a CSST sheet provided for this purpose.
You must always carefully follow the recommendations of your attending physician. You can assume that he is acting in your best interests. Furthermore, the employer may require that you be examined by a healthcare professional of his choice, such as the health-services physician. Never lose sight of the fact that this physician is very likely to give an opinion that is more favourable to the employer’s position. Thus, be careful with him.
In addition, your medical file is confidential. Although the employer has access to the file the CSST possesses concerning your employment injury, only the healthcare professional that he has designated may consult your medical file related to your injury. Your manager does not have the right to look at your CSST file.
It is also very useful to inform your local union team of your work accident file. They can indeed advise and accompany you in each one of your steps, as need be. Moreover, when in doubt, never take a decision that might hurt you without first talking to your OHS union representative.
It is crucial to keep all the documents related to your employment injury in order. Keep a legible copy of all documents you receive or submit to any authorized individual in a safe place. Write down all the steps taken in your file, being careful to include the main contact details for individuals such as, the date, name, telephone number and the substance of the steps or conversation. Also record all tests, treatments, medications and all changes to your file.
Lastly, your local union team can give you good advice as they have acquired much experience over the years with this type of file. In addition, your union representative can count on the expertise of consultants experienced in occupational health and safety matters. You are in good hands with the FIQ!
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