I've hurt my [ankle] and it's hard to carry on; I'll leave by [time] after handing off the urgent bits.
Shift work
Leaving a Shift Early for A minor injury
Leaving a shift early for a minor injury is mostly about cover. Tell your supervisor early and line up someone for the rest of the shift.
Say what you need, briefly
Say you've hurt yourself and need to rest it or get it checked. If it happened at work, note that so it can be recorded, but keep the account brief.
Sort cover for your shift
On a shift, leaving early hinges on cover. Tell your supervisor as early as you can, and where you can, line up a colleague to cover the rest of your shift so the floor isn't left short.
Example messages
I took a knock and need to get it checked. Could we note it, and I'll head out by [time]?
I've strained my back and need to rest it; I'll leave by [time] and pick up quiet tasks if I can.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't leave the floor short without a word. Flag it early and help line up cover for the rest of the shift.
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This page shares wording ideas, not legal or HR advice. Follow your own employer's time-off policy.
Common questions
Do I need to detail the injury?
No. That you're hurt and need to rest or get it checked is enough.
What matters most on a shift?
Cover. Tell your supervisor early and, where you can, arrange a colleague to cover the rest of your shift.