What to do if you're injured at work

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Applies to: US W-2 employees. If you are an independent contractor, still report the incident to the on-site manager immediately and then email support@ascen.com — but what you are covered for depends on your own agreement and insurance. See also Reporting a workplace injury or safety incident.

Summary: If you're hurt on the job, get emergency care first if it's serious, then tell your on-site manager and Ascen right away. A 24/7 nurse hotline can help you decide what care you need, and workers' compensation covers work-related injuries at no cost to you. Reporting quickly protects both your health and your benefits.

First: is it an emergency?

If your injury is serious or life-threatening (for example, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, a head injury, loss of consciousness, or a possible amputation), call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Your health comes first. You can handle the reporting steps below once you're safe and being cared for.

Step 1 — Tell your on-site manager immediately

As soon as you're able, report the injury to your manager or supervisor at the client worksite where it happened. Do this even if the injury seems minor. Reporting right away creates a record and makes sure you get the care and follow-up you're entitled to.

Step 2 — Contact Ascen

Reach out to Ascen as soon as possible so we can help you get care and start your claim:

Let us know what happened, when and where it occurred, and how you're feeling.

Step 3 — Call the 24/7 nurse hotline

You have access to a free, around-the-clock nurse care line staffed by medical professionals:

  • Nurse hotline: 1-888-485-2687 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

The nurse will listen to what happened, help assess your injury, and tell you whether you need to visit a clinic or whether simple home care (like resting or icing the area) is enough. If you use the hotline before contacting us, that's fine — they'll notify Ascen so we can follow up with you.

If you saw the nurse or tried home care and you're not getting better, call the hotline again and describe your symptoms. They'll advise you on next steps.

Step 4 — Get the right care

  • If you need medical treatment, Ascen will help direct you to an appropriate clinic and provide any paperwork you need to bring with you (such as an authorization for treatment).

  • After your visit, send Ascen a copy of your visit summary and your work status — the document from the provider that says what you're able to do at work and any limitations (called "restrictions").

  • Keep any paperwork the clinic or hospital gives you, and let us know if you have a follow-up appointment scheduled.

Step 5 — Fill out an injury report

You'll be asked to complete a First Report of Injury form describing what happened — the injury, how it occurred, the date, time, and location, and any witnesses. This is a normal part of the process and helps your claim move forward.

Step 6 — Stay in touch

Keeping in contact is one of the most important things you can do. Respond to Ascen's messages, share updates on how you're recovering, and let us know when your provider clears you to return to work or gives you restrictions. The sooner we have this information, the sooner we can support you and coordinate with the worksite.

What this doesn't cost you

Work-related injuries are covered by workers' compensation, which Ascen provides at no cost to you. You don't pay for the nurse hotline, your work-related medical care, or the claim itself. To learn more, see How workers' compensation works for you.

Good to know

  • Report even small injuries. A minor cut or strain can turn into something bigger, and reporting early keeps your options open.

  • Returning to work matters. Many injuries allow you to return quickly, sometimes with temporary restrictions. The rules and timelines for returning to work and for any lost-time pay vary by state and by your assignment location. Ascen will walk you through what applies to you.

  • Workers' comp is state-administered. Specific benefits and deadlines depend on the state where you work. You can read about the basics at the U.S. Department of Labor: Workers' Compensation (DOL).

Your right to a safe workplace

You have the right to a safe workplace and to report a job injury without fear of retaliation. OSHA offers a plain-language overview of your rights as a worker: Workers' Rights (OSHA).

Related articles: How workers' compensation works for you • Reporting a workplace injury or safety incident