How Do You Report an Accident at Work? Life-Saving Advice You Can’t Ignore
Have an accident at work and wondering what your next step is ? No worries ! Claim today, led by DS Bal has supported injured workers since 1999. Learn how do you report an accident at work in the UK, your legal rights, and what steps to take.
How do you report an accident at work?
If you’ve been injured at work, number one step should be reporting the accident in a safe way. Failing to do so, can affect your recovery , your rights, and even your eligibility to make a compensation claim later. This is your guide to report an accident at work in the UK, your legal rights, the process to follow, and consequences if not reported.
Why does reporting an accident at work matter?
According to real life, workplace injuries range from minor slips to serious injuries. Even if it’s a small incident, learing how do you report an accident at work insures:
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- The accident is officially recorded
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- You protect your legal rights if you later need to make a claim
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- Employers can address risks and prevent upcoming injuries
No report means no accident , an employer might argue the accident never happened or that your injuries were irrelevant.
Your rights after an accident at work
UK law protects every employee who suffers from an injury at work. Reporting an accident is part of those protections :
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- Seek medical treatment immediately – You should seek first aid or hospital treatment without delay.
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- Record the accident – Employers must keep an accident book if they have 10+ employees.
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- Right to protection from dismissal – You cannot be sacked simply for reporting an accident.
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- Right to claim compensation – If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be able to claim.
How do you Report an accident at work: Step by Step
Reporting falls into the category of Verbal reporting and written reporting.
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- Seek medical help first– Prioritize your health. Call 999 if necessary
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- Tell your manager or supervisor – Inform them immediately after the accident. It’s useful, but not enough.
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- Write in the accident book – Report details into the workplace incident book:
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- 1. Your name and job role
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- 2. Date, time, and place of accident
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- 3. What happened and any witnesses
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- 4. Injuries sustained
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- Request a copy
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- RIDDOR reporting (if serious) – Employers must report serious injuries, diseases, or dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.
For more legal guidance, you can visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) official guide, which explains your rights and employer responsibilities in workplace accidents.
Strengthening your accident report
Alongside the official report, gathering evidence can help if you later pursue a compensation claim:
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- Witness statement .
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- CCTV footage (write a request if available).
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- Photos of the accident.
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- Medical reports and receipts .
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- Written statement of your symptoms time off work.
Learn more about Common Workplace accidents and injuries
What if I don’t report the accident?
Not reporting an accident can lead to several dilemmas:
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- No official record exists, which weakens any future claim.
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- Hazards may go uncorrected, risking employers safety.
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- Employers may debate responsibility.
Check our guide on What is really classed as an accident at work
What if your employer refuses to record your accident, you can:
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- Send them a written account (keep a copy).
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- Report serious incidents directly to the HSE.
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- Seek advice from a workplace accident solicitor.
How Long Do You Have to Report or Claim?
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- Reporting : Ideally the same day, but as soon as possible is mandatory.
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- RIDDOR reporting : Employers must report serious injuries within 10 days.
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- Making a claim : You usually have three years from the date of the accident (or from when you became aware of your injury
FAQs
1. Do all workplace accidents need to be reported?
Yes, regardless of how trivial the incident, it should all be recorded in the accident book. The HSE must also be notified of serious situations.
2. Who is in charge of reporting a workplace accident?
Although the employer is legally obligated to keep records and report major occurrences, the injured worker should notify their employer.
3. What happens if my employer declines to document my accident?
Keep a duplicate of the account you wrote. For significant incidents, you can also get in touch with the HSE.
4. If I didn’t report the accident right away, can I still get compensation?
Yes, but proving it might be more difficult. Supporting documentation will be essential.
5. Is filing a claim the same as reporting an accident?
No. Reporting guarantees that a record exists. A claim is a different kind of legal procedure.
Take Action Today
If you’ve suffered an accident at work, don’t delay. Reporting is your first step towards protecting your health, your rights, and your potential claim.
Since 1999, Claim Today has helped injured workers across the UK secure compensation and stand up for their rights.
Take Action Today
If you’ve suffered an accident at work, don’t delay. Reporting is your first step towards protecting your health, your rights, and your potential claim.
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- Free, no-obligation consultation.
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- No win, No Fee – Nothing to lose, All to Gain
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- Thousands Helped – Million Recovered in Compensation
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- We Speak your Language – 17+ Languages Available
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- Serving Clients Nationwide – Across England & Wales
