Injured at work today

Thanks, yes it's the same hand.

Yes, it's funny how a lot of what they teach on safety training goes right out of the window in practice. I reported a cracked piece of plastic climbing equipment, supervisor asked if we could not still use it as "You are only light", and then proceeded to bounce up and down on it to prove it was safe - yes, safe until the moment it gives way completely that is. They were balking at £25 replacement cost, lost work hours and possible compensation from an accident would be more costly than that to the company.

You are truly an angel to take the time to send me this message. I can't tell you how much it means to be validated. Thank you so much.

Yep. Same story!!! At my job more than one person patiently explained to me how I could "safely" use the piece of equipment without the safety guard. What is the point? Why is it such a big deal for them to have the safety guard put back on the machine, or a new guard ordered, if needed?

You and I should make a vow that both of us will file accident reports and not let this go unattended. Especially if it is the same hand you injured before...you see, fate is telling you...to take this "second chance" and make things right by attending to your self care. We don't want to "make waves" at work - I totally understand this. However, I have already made waves. I tend to speak out with my big mouth. Not just about this but about everything. As ALL my immediate supervisors are young Alpha males they are probably bristling. I can't help it. I really hate working in an unsafe environment. I am sure you do too. As well, I am older and can have a big mouth. On the flip side when things go right I am the first to express my appreciation. I always thank my coworkers at the end of the day. When things go well I am cheerful and I don't drag my personal problems into work. I am an industrious worker.

Don't let the guys at your job be bullies -- even if they are supervisors or managers. They will bully cuz that's what guys in these kinds of jobs often do. Your body size and weight should absolutely not be a consideration in whether or not you should use a piece of broken equipment you don't feel confident about. I am so tired of guys being bullies. At my job it is 80% guys and a female just has to take a stance. The guys at my job are nice...really...but they don't like to be reminded that anything is wrong on their watch.

I started the process of filling out an accident report! I had a few days off but stopped by my place of business and ran into the HR person. She pulled up the paperwork on her computer but said I had to be clocked in to finish the process. Now it's prefabsprout's turn!

Prefabsprout, have you filed your accident report paperwork yet???

Thank you, everyone, for encouraging us to do the right thing. You guys are so awesome!

Yes I agree - some very awesome people here and I thank you all too.

How is your finger doing Dech? It sounds like maybe you should have had stitches in that. Maybe see a dr if it doesn't knit together soon.

One thing we did not discuss was first aid. Here it is law in big enough workplace to have a trained first aider on duty - ours was, but I was in so much pain and shock I forgot to ask for him. I basically ran off to put ice on my hand it was throbbing so much. My supervisor should have got him for me, he should have assessed me and decided what to do - it should not be left to an injured person to assess themselves as they are often in shock for one thing. First aider was not happy when he realised what happened.

Do you have a first aider in your workplace?

Anyway I'm glad you are going to file this - I did too, my supervisor was busy today (and hung over - another young alpha male, our place is full of them too) but I badgered him until it was done. Mine was done on clocked out time as they are very tight about hours worked at the moment (last month they had staff overspend, this month bare bones contract hours only).

Great news is my hand is much improved today - still sore and a little swollen but much more functional so I got through my shift with care taken to minimise use of the hand.

Good news about your hand.