Dear ICR:

I got hurt at work last week.  I haven’t said anything to my supervisor, because I don’t want to get in trouble.  I really need this job.  I think I need to see a doctor though.  What should I do?  Reluctant

Dear Reluctant:  You should notify your supervisor of the injury immediately.  If your employer does not become aware of the injury within thirty days after the injury, you could lose your rights to benefits.  Your supervisor will give you a workers’ compensation claim form (DWC-1) and you can describe how, when and where it occurred. You need to return the form to your supervisor to complete the employer section.  Your employer will then forward the claim form to the insurance company.   Benefits cannot start until the insurance company receives the claim form, so it is important to turn the form in as soon as possible.   

In California, all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance or be qualified to be self-insured.  You are entitled to receive medical care if you are injured, no matter who was at fault for the injury.  Your employer cannot punish or fire you for requesting workers’ compensation benefits if you believe your injury was caused on the job.

Dear ICR:

I hurt my back moving furniture at home on Saturday.  My deductible is really high and I can’t afford to pay for medical visits right now.  My employer is really cool.  Can I say that the injury occurred on the job? My employer pays for workers’ compensation insurance, so why not take advantage of it?   Aching Back

Dear Aching Back:  Don’t even think about it.  What you are describing is fraud.  Chances are you will be caught. Several agencies are working together to identify and investigate fraud.  The district attorneys’ office can prosecute you for violating the law.  Your employer can also be prosecuted if he knowingly submits a fraudulent claim.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear ICR:  Next week I have a job interview and I want to know if there is anything I should do ahead of time to prepare?    Thank you,   Stressed

Dear Stressed,

Job interviews can be stressful, but the more prepared you are, the easier it will be.  First you need to research the company you are interviewing for.  It’s important to know and understand what the company is about, what services or products it provides, the history, and the person whom you are interviewing with.  Employers are impressed when a candidate already has knowledge on their company. This shows them you have done your research.  During your quest to learn more about the company, jot down a few sample questions to ask during the interview.  Develop a few mock interview questions to help you practice and improve your interviewing skills.

Your resume is one of the most important documents to bring to an interview.  Think of your resume as your calling card; it should contain your contact information, list your work experience for the last ten years and what skills you’ve obtained through your past employment.    Be sure your resume is proofread several times and has no mistakes.  Interviews are all about first impressions, and what you wear to an interview says a lot about you.  It’s always best to dress professionally and wear clothing that is appropriate for an interview.

Before the interview, call the establishment for directions or Google the address.  Calculate how long it will take you to get there, and give yourself extra time.  If you have a chance, visit the location ahead of time.  Ensure that you will have reliable transportation on the day of the interview as well.   

Consider these tips before your next interview!

Dear ICR:  I am 16 years old and really want to get a job this summer.  My friends said I need to show a driver’s license to before I can get a job.  Is this true?  Sincerely, Broke

Dear Broke: 

You can get a job without a driver’s license, but you will need to come up with another document which will establish your identity.  You can use a school ID card, provided that it has your photograph on it.  Since you are under eighteen years old, you may also be able to present a school record or report card, or a clinic, doctor or hospital record, or a day-care or nursery school record to establish your identity.  In addition to establishing your identity, you must also provide a document to establish employment authorization, such as a U.S. Social Security Card or an original or a certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county or municipal authority.  The birth document provided by hospitals is not sufficient.  Note:  If you have a current passport, that will establish both identity and employment authorization.

Obtaining some of these documents can take time, so don’t procrastinate.  For more information on how you can get a social security card, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.  If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate and you were born in San Bernardino County, go to www.sbcounty.gov/arc/_pdf/application_for_certified_copy-eng.pdf  for a copy of the application form for a birth certificate.  The cost for a certified birth certificate is $21. 

Start planning now and you will increase your chances of getting a job this summer.  Good luck.

Please submit your employment questions to ICR Staffing Services, Inc. to AskICR@icrjobs.com.   Answers provided by ICR Staffing Services, Inc., are not intended to be interpreted as legal advice.