Did you know that agency-based Home Care Aides are 450% more likely to report a workplace injury than Individual Provider HCAs?
When you provide care to a family member, friend, or Consumers, it can be difficult to know when an injury happens “at work.”
A good rule to go by: If you are injured performing any tasks on your Consumer’s Care Plan, you can file for worker’s compensation through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Here are the most common injuries HCAs reported in 2014.
1. Overexertion
Back injuries or other types of muscle strains from lifting or transferring a Consumer are easily the most common HCA injuries. Practicing proper body mechanics learned in Basic Training will go a long way in preventing injuries. But when you do overexert yourself, an L&I claim can help you get the care you need to prevent further injury.
2. Falls and tripping
Loose cords and rugs are common tripping hazards in a Consumer’s home. Discuss moving these items with your Consumer so they are out of the way or secured to prevent falls.
3. Assaults by animals
While a dog or pet can provide valuable companionship to a Consumer, he can also be an occupational hazard for many Home Care Aides. If you are on the clock in your Consumer’s home, a dog bite, tripping over a pet or other type of animal-related injury can be covered by an L&I claim.
4. Struck by object
Objects can often fall from a shelf or be bumped into accidentally. For regularly used items such as cooking oils, try moving them to a more accessible spot in the kitchen versus a high shelf above the stove.
It is also common for HCAs to be hit by objects thrown or knocked over by Consumers. It is important to report your L&I claim so that your medical bills can be covered and you stay safe.
5. Repetitive motion
These are tissue injuries that occur from doing everyday tasks over and over, such as scrubbing floors and ironing, and reaching, lifting, and pulling objects. Symptoms can include pain, tightness, dull ache, and throbbing. Your doctor can help diagnose this type of injury and help you file the appropriate L&I claim.
6. Bodily reaction
Similar to overexertion, bodily reaction is an injury from bending, pinching a body part, reaching, or standing without necessarily falling. For example, an injury could occur when lifting a heavy laundry basket or trying to catch a Consumer mid-fall.
7. Car accident
If you are in a car accident while transporting your Consumer or if you are on your way to or from providing care, you can qualify for worker’s compensation. Even though you may not be on the clock, an injury during your commute can be covered by L&I.
Steps to Reporting Your Injury
When you are injured at your Consumer’s home or your own home as a family caregiver, report your injury to Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
If your claim is accepted, you will receive worker’s compensation to pay for medical care directly. If you are unable to work following your injury, you may be eligible for a portion of your lost wages.
Learn more and file your claim at the LNI website»
STEP 1: Injured at Work
- Get first aid. Many falls, cuts, and sprains can become serious injuries if they aren’t treated right away.
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If you are injured at work, go to your doctor, nearest Urgent Care center or, for severe injuries, the Emergency Room. Let them know you were injured on the job and they will assist you in filing the worker’s compensation claim.
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Let your employer know right away about your injury.
For IPs: Ask your doctor for the “Report of Injury or Occupational Disease” form. List your employer as:
HCQA Negotiated Contract
601 Union St., Suite 3500, Seattle, WA 98101.
STEP 2: File a Claim
You can file an accident report for your injury at your doctor’s office, over the phone to the L&I office at 1-877-561-FILE (business hours only), or online at www.LNI.WA.gov.
Remember to:
- Complete all required paperwork and keep copies of everything for your records.
- Read all paperwork carefully and respond promptly.
- Put your claim number on your paperwork and have it ready when you call L&I and your employer.
For IPs: A company called Sedwick CMS will manage your claim. Contact them toll free at 1-866-897-0386.
STEP 3A: Approved Claim
L&I will approve your claim if your doctor certifies that you were injured at a specific time and place at work, or if you have a disease or disorder caused by your work. Benefits cover medical bills. They also may include wage replacement, return-to-work help, and disability for the severely injured.
STEP 3B: Rejected Claim
Claims can be rejected if the doctor cannot certify your medical condition is related to something specific that happened at work or an occupational disease.
You and/or your doctor have the right to protest any decision made about your claim online at www.lni.wa.gov. Appeals can be made directly to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals.
STEP 4: Get Back to Work
Some injured workers miss days of work while they recover. However, many can return to work gradually, while still receiving medical benefits. Returning to work as quickly as possible is a team effort between you, your doctor, and your employer. Stay in touch with them. L&I will provide assistance when you need it.
STEP 5: Close Claim
Claims are closed when:
- Your doctor certifies that further treatment won’t improve your condition.
- L&I has no new information showing you need further assistance.
- Your treatment was successful! (In these cases, L&I accepts and closes your claim at the same time in a “Notice of Decision.”)
HBT Members: Your insurance coverage through the Health Benefits Trust will NOT be affected by reporting your injury to L&I. You can continue to use your current benefits while collecting additional benefits from L&I.
