time off sick

[banana]

I had an accident at work last Monday.Serious enough to warrant an ambulance with 'blues & 2s". I still have bumps and bruises and a suspected broken/badly bruised sternum.
I told them at work that possibly i would be back on this Monday. But I havent had any time off work sick for many years (though this is a new job) and I dont know what is expected. Several people told me to take more time off /milk it - or go to my gp for a proper sick note. I havent yet seen my gp , just the a&e consultant.

What do you all advise? I have a good work ethic but think this might actually stand in the way of my proper recovery just now.

[redmug100]

GP wont sign you off till you've been sick for 7 days.

[spangle111]

Don't milk it, but if you go back too soon you could do far more harm than good - see your gp and take their advice. A lot would also depend on the type of work you do.

[SaxyJag]

For up to four days, you'll have to self-certificate (personnel should be able to help with that), but if it's likely you'll need to be off for longer, your GP should be able to give you a sick note. When I had my foot op at Christmas, I left hospital the next day with a sick note for two weeks.

I would have a chat with your GP or the nurse and see what they recommend.

[little h]

Listen to your body and it will tell you when you are ready to go back, so don't feel pressured. I suggest you visit the doc to get checked before you go back then if you do need a sicknote it can be done then. What was the accident as the Health and Safety Exec may have to be informed under RIDDOR. You could also be entitled to compensation. This seems extreme but liability insurance and H&S legislation is there for your protection.

[SaxyJag]

Following on from Little h's post - if it hasn't already, make sure it goes down in the accident book at work. If there's ever an investigation, for this or for a similar accident to someone else, then it's the first place the HSE rep will look.

[aonghas]

When you go back to work .Ask to see the accident report study it very carefully (in minute detail )before you sign it.
Ask for a copy,see a good lawyer.
Meantime see your GPwho will advise when its time to resume work.
I was in the same position recently.

[dan_999uk]

>Serious enough to warrant an ambulance with 'blues & 2s".

Don't be fooled by this - all but the most trivial calls get a response with lights and sirens.

If you were taken into hospital with the siren on - then it's serious!