What to do if you have an accident at work
Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, particularly in the workplace. Whether you primarily work in an office, factory, construction site or another setting, there are always risks and hazards no matter how significant or visible.
HSE reports that 561,000 people self-reported injuries at work in 2022/23 in the UK, with the actual number potentially much higher. In this article, we’ll delve into what you should do if you happen to have an accident at work.
Assess the situation
The first step should always be to assess the severity of the accident and any injuries sustained. If it’s a minor incident with no serious injuries, it may still be worth seeking medical attention to make sure you’re in good health.
If you’ve been involved in a major accident with injuries requiring immediate medical attention, call emergency services right away or seek the appropriate medical help. Your health and wellbeing should be a top priority.
Report the incident
Notify your supervisor or manager about the accident as soon as possible. Most companies have specific procedures in place for reporting workplace accidents. Make sure to provide accurate details about what happened and any injuries sustained.
Establishing a record of the incident promptly is crucial for both your safety and any potential legal claims you come to start down the line. Your employer should report any accidents under RIDDOR, otherwise they could be breaking health and safety regulations.
Document everything
Keep your own records of the accident by taking photographs of the scene and your injuries, securing witness statements and documenting your journey to recovery. You should also keep receipts for travel, medical bills and anything else related to your injuries.
This information may be crucial if you need to file an accident at work compensation claim or pursue any type of legal action against your employer.
Know your rights
Familiarise yourself with your rights as an employee, particularly regarding workers’ compensation claims. If you can prove your employer was negligent or failed to keep you safe at work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical expenses, psychological harm and disability resulting from workplace injuries.
Consulting with legal experts is crucial to properly understand your rights and assess your options moving forward. They can tell you whether you have a viable claim for your accident at work. Some cases can be taken on a no-win no-fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay anything unless you win.
Accidents at work can be incredibly stressful experiences, leaving you with lasting consequences. Responding in the right way is crucial to helping you bounce back and hopefully receive any compensation you deserve after your employer let you down.
