Quick answer: What should I do after an accident at work?
If you are injured at work, report the accident to your employer, seek appropriate medical attention, keep evidence of what happened and record your losses. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to make a workplace injury claim if another party was legally responsible for your injury.
If you have been injured at work, you may have more questions than answers. Accident at work questions can range from “Should I report the accident?” and “Can I claim compensation?” to “What if my employer blames me?” or “What happens if I cannot afford to take time off?”
The good news is that you do not have to understand every part of workplace health and safety or personal injury law before taking the next step. This guide answers 20 common accident at work questions in plain English for workers in England and Wales.
Whether you suffered a fall, machinery injury, lifting injury, burn, crush injury, repetitive strain injury or another workplace accident, understanding what to do after the accident can help you protect your position.
20 accident at work questions injured workers commonly ask
Here are the key questions covered in this guide:
- What should I do immediately after an accident at work?
- Should I report my accident to my employer?
- What if my employer refuses to record the accident?
- What is RIDDOR and does it apply to my accident?
- Can I claim compensation for an accident at work?
- Do I have to prove that my employer was negligent?
- What if my employer says the accident was my fault?
- Can I claim if I contributed to my accident?
- Can I claim if there were no witnesses?
- What evidence do I need for a workplace injury claim?
- Can I claim if I was not given proper training?
- Can I claim for an accident involving machinery or equipment?
- Can I claim if I was injured because of unsafe working conditions?
- Can I claim for an injury that developed gradually?
- What if my employer says the accident was not serious?
- Could making a claim affect my job?
- How much compensation could I receive?
- How long do I have to make an accident at work claim?
- What happens after I make a workplace injury claim?
- Should I speak to a solicitor after an accident at work?
1. What should I do immediately after an accident at work?
One of the most important accident at work questions is what you should actually do immediately after being injured.
Your first priority should be your health and safety.
Depending on the circumstances:
- Get first aid or medical attention.
- Tell your manager, supervisor or employer what happened.
- Make sure the accident is recorded through the employer’s accident-reporting procedure.
- Take photographs of the accident location, equipment, hazard or injury where appropriate.
- Note the date, time and location of the accident.
- Write down what happened while your memory is fresh.
- Identify anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Keep medical records, prescriptions and other relevant documents.
- Keep evidence of financial losses, such as travel expenses or lost earnings.
Do not worry about building a perfect legal case immediately. Your priority is getting appropriate treatment and making sure there is a reliable record of what happened.
2. Should I report my accident to my employer?
Yes. Reporting your accident is an important practical step.
Tell your employer or appropriate manager as soon as reasonably possible and follow the workplace’s accident-reporting procedure.
Your employer may have an accident book or another system for recording incidents. HSE guidance explains that keeping accident records can help employers identify patterns and review risk assessments, and that insurers may also want to see accident records when a work-related claim is made.
If you are asked to sign an accident report, make sure the information accurately reflects what happened. Do not knowingly sign a version that contains important inaccuracies.
What if I did not report it immediately?
That does not automatically mean you cannot make a claim.
There may be legitimate reasons why an accident was not reported straight away. For example, you might initially have believed the injury was minor and only realised later that it was more serious.
However, delay can make evidence more difficult to obtain, so report the incident as soon as you can.
3. What if my employer refuses to record the accident?
This is another common accident at work question.
If your employer refuses to record the incident, you should consider creating your own written record.
Record:
- What happened
- When and where it happened
- Who you reported it to
- What response you received
- Names of witnesses
- Any photographs or other evidence
- Medical treatment you received
You can also keep copies of relevant emails or messages.
Importantly, an employer’s failure to record an accident does not by itself decide whether you have a valid personal injury claim.
If you have concerns about workplace health and safety, HSE provides routes for workers to raise concerns about work-related accidents and ongoing risks. HSE specifically states that employees should not submit RIDDOR reports themselves; RIDDOR reporting duties generally fall on the responsible person, such as the employer or person controlling the premises.
4. What is RIDDOR and does it apply to my accident?
RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.
It requires certain serious work-related incidents to be reported to the relevant enforcing authority.
Not every workplace accident is reportable under RIDDOR.
For example, certain specified injuries must be reported, as can injuries resulting in a worker being unable to perform their normal duties for more than seven consecutive days. HSE also provides specific rules for other reportable incidents and dangerous occurrences.
The important point is that RIDDOR reporting and a personal injury compensation claim are not the same thing.
An accident does not have to be RIDDOR-reportable for you to potentially have a compensation claim.
Do I have to make the RIDDOR report myself?
Usually, no.
HSE states that RIDDOR reports should be submitted by the responsible person, such as an employer, certain self-employed people or someone in control of work premises. An injured employee should normally tell their employer about the accident rather than submitting the RIDDOR report themselves.
5. Can I claim compensation for an accident at work?
Potentially, yes.
If you were injured because another party failed to take reasonable care or failed to comply with a relevant legal duty, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Examples can include accidents involving:
- Unsafe machinery
- Inadequate training
- Lack of suitable supervision
- Slips and trips
- Unsafe work systems
- Falling objects
- Defective equipment
- Dangerous premises
- Inadequate protective measures
- Manual handling risks
However, simply being injured at work does not automatically mean your employer is legally responsible.
The circumstances and evidence need to be considered.
6. Do I have to prove that my employer was negligent?
This is one of the most important accident at work questions.
A workplace accident by itself does not automatically establish liability.
A claim will generally need evidence supporting the legal basis for holding the employer or another responsible party liable for the injury.
That might involve examining:
- What caused the accident
- Whether there was a foreseeable risk
- What precautions were in place
- Whether appropriate training was provided
- Whether equipment was properly maintained
- Whether employees were properly supervised
- Whether relevant health and safety requirements were followed
- Whether the employer’s system of work was reasonably safe
The precise legal issues depend on the circumstances of the accident.
That is why evidence can be extremely important.
7. What if my employer says the accident was my fault?
Do not automatically assume that you have no claim.
Employers or insurers may argue that an injured worker contributed to an accident. However, the fact that you made a mistake does not necessarily end the matter.
For example, you might have:
- Been working under pressure;
- Received inadequate training;
- Been given unclear instructions;
- Been using unsafe equipment;
- Been working within an unsafe system;
- Been inadequately supervised.
The circumstances need to be considered as a whole.
An employer may have responsibilities concerning the way work is organised, equipment provided and employees trained and supervised.
8. Can I claim if I contributed to my accident?
Potentially.
This is sometimes described as contributory negligence.
If you contributed to your own injury, it does not necessarily mean you automatically lose your claim. Instead, the amount of compensation may potentially be reduced to reflect your contribution, depending on the circumstances.
For example, imagine a worker ignores a clear safety instruction but is also working with defective machinery that the employer should have removed from service.
The question is not necessarily simply, “Who was at fault?”
It may be necessary to examine the respective responsibilities and conduct of everyone involved.
9. Can I claim if there were no witnesses?
Yes, potentially.
The absence of witnesses does not automatically prevent an accident at work claim.
Other evidence may be available, including:
- Accident book entries
- CCTV
- Photographs
- Emails
- Text messages
- Work schedules
- Training records
- Risk assessments
- Maintenance records
- Medical records
- Occupational health records
- Incident reports
- Equipment inspection records
Your own account of what happened can also be relevant.
If there were no witnesses, it is particularly useful to create a detailed record of the accident as soon as possible.
10. What evidence do I need for a workplace injury claim?
Evidence is one of the most frequently overlooked accident at work questions.
Try to preserve anything that could help establish what happened and the consequences of the injury.
Evidence about the accident
This could include:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Photographs of hazards or defective equipment
- CCTV information
- Witness details
- Accident reports
- Emails or messages about the incident
Evidence about your injury
Keep:
- GP records
- Hospital records
- Prescriptions
- Referral letters
- Physiotherapy records
- Medical certificates
- Occupational health documents
Evidence of financial losses
Depending on the claim, you may also need evidence of:
- Lost earnings
- Travel expenses
- Medical expenses
- Care or assistance
- Other reasonable expenses caused by the injury
Do not throw away potentially relevant documents simply because they seem unimportant.
11. Can I claim if I was not given proper training?
Potentially.
Employers have health and safety responsibilities towards their workers, and inadequate training can contribute to workplace accidents.
Examples might include:
- Being asked to operate machinery without appropriate training;
- Not being shown how to use equipment safely;
- Not receiving appropriate manual handling training;
- Being given inadequate instructions for hazardous work.
Whether this supports a compensation claim depends on the circumstances and evidence.
If you believe inadequate training contributed to your accident, make a note of what training you received, when you received it and what you were asked to do.
12. Can I claim for an accident involving machinery or equipment?
Potentially, yes.
Machinery accidents can result in serious injuries, particularly where workers are exposed to moving parts, crushing points, cutting mechanisms or inadequately guarded equipment.
Possible issues can include:
- Missing guards
- Defective machinery
- Poor maintenance
- Inadequate training
- Unsafe work procedures
- Lack of supervision
- Failure to identify foreseeable risks
The exact cause matters.
For example, if a worker suffers a crush injury because a machine guard was missing, evidence concerning the machine, maintenance history, risk assessments and training may become particularly important.
13. Can I claim if I was injured because of unsafe working conditions?
Potentially.
Unsafe working conditions can take many forms.
Examples include:
- Wet or contaminated floors
- Poor lighting
- Unsafe access routes
- Falling objects
- Dangerous storage
- Defective equipment
- Poor housekeeping
- Excessive workplace hazards
- Inadequate protective measures
However, not every accident caused by an unsafe condition will automatically result in compensation.
The evidence needs to establish the relevant circumstances and responsibility.
14. Can I claim for an injury that developed gradually?
Not every workplace injury happens in one dramatic accident.
Some injuries develop over time because of repeated work activities, awkward movements, excessive physical demands or other workplace exposures.
These can sometimes be described as occupational injuries or work-related conditions rather than a single accident.
Examples may include certain:
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Noise-related conditions
- Occupational diseases
The legal issues can differ from those involved in a straightforward one-off accident.
If you believe your work has caused or contributed to an injury that developed gradually, it is still worth keeping records of your symptoms, duties and working conditions.
15. What if my employer says the accident was not serious?
The seriousness of an accident should not be decided simply by how it looked immediately afterwards.
Some injuries become more apparent over time.
For example, you might initially believe you have suffered a minor back injury but later require medical treatment and time away from work.
This is another reason to seek appropriate medical advice and keep records.
RIDDOR also has specific definitions concerning reportable injuries and periods of incapacity. For example, certain specified injuries must be reported, while some work-related accidents resulting in more than seven consecutive days of incapacity must also be reported.
16. Could making a claim affect my job?
Many injured workers worry that making an accident at work claim will automatically put their employment at risk.
You should not assume that you have to give up a legitimate claim simply because you are worried about your job.
A workplace injury claim is a legal process concerning responsibility for an injury and the losses arising from it. Your employment situation is a separate issue, although the two can sometimes overlap in practice.
If you are worried about how raising an accident or making a claim could affect your employment, get appropriate advice based on your circumstances.
You should also avoid allowing fear of workplace consequences to stop you from seeking necessary medical treatment.
17. How much compensation could I receive?
There is no single fixed amount for an accident at work claim.
Compensation can depend on factors such as:
- The nature and severity of the injury
- How long recovery takes
- Whether there are permanent symptoms
- The impact on your ability to work
- Medical evidence
- Financial losses
- Care or assistance required
- Other losses arising from the injury
A serious injury affecting your future ability to work may have very different financial consequences from a minor injury that resolves quickly.
You should therefore be cautious about online “average compensation” figures. They may not reflect your individual circumstances.
No solicitor or claims service should guarantee a particular compensation amount before the relevant evidence has been assessed.
18. How long do I have to make an accident at work claim?
This is one of the most important accident at work questions because missing a legal time limit can have serious consequences.
For many personal injury claims in England and Wales, the general limitation period is three years, although the precise starting point and applicable rules can vary depending on the circumstances. The Limitation Act 1980 contains the relevant statutory framework for personal injury actions.
There can be exceptions and special rules, including situations involving children or people who lack mental capacity.
You should therefore avoid assuming that you have exactly three years in every situation.
If you have suffered a workplace injury, it is sensible to investigate the position as soon as possible rather than waiting until the deadline is approaching.
19. What happens after I make a workplace injury claim?
If you decide to pursue a claim, the process will depend on the circumstances.
Broadly, it can involve:
1. Establishing what happened
Information and evidence about the accident will be gathered.
2. Investigating responsibility
The relevant legal and factual issues will be considered.
3. Obtaining medical evidence
Medical evidence may be needed to establish the nature and consequences of your injury.
4. Calculating losses
Financial losses and other relevant consequences may need to be documented.
5. Correspondence with the relevant parties
The claim may involve correspondence with the employer, insurer or their legal representatives.
6. Negotiating or resolving the claim
Some claims may settle without court proceedings. Others may require further legal steps.
The exact process will depend on the individual circumstances.
What to Do After an Accident at Work Checklist: Your First 48 Hours (Free Downloadable PDF)
20. Should I speak to a solicitor after an accident at work?
This is perhaps the most important question to ask if you have suffered a workplace injury.
You may benefit from seeking legal advice where:
- Your injury is serious;
- You believe your employer was responsible;
- Your employer disputes what happened;
- You are being blamed for the accident;
- You have suffered significant financial losses;
- You are unsure whether you have a valid claim;
- Your injury could affect your ability to work;
- You are approaching a limitation deadline.
A solicitor can assess the evidence and explain the options available to you.
For Claim Today, the focus is on helping injured people understand their rights and potential claims. Where appropriate, a No Win No Fee arrangement may be available, subject to eligibility and the applicable terms.
What should I do after an accident at work?
If you remember nothing else from these accident at work questions, remember these practical steps:
- Get medical attention if you need it.
- Tell your employer what happened.
- Make sure the accident is recorded.
- Take photographs where appropriate.
- Record witness details.
- Keep medical documents.
- Keep evidence of financial losses.
- Do not assume that an employer’s version of events is automatically correct.
- Check whether RIDDOR may apply — although reporting is generally the responsibility of the employer or other responsible person, not the injured employee.
- Consider obtaining legal advice if you believe someone else was responsible for your injury.
Frequently asked questions about accidents at work
What is the most common accident at work question?
One of the most common accident at work questions is whether an injured worker can claim compensation. The answer depends on the circumstances, including what caused the accident and whether another party may be legally responsible.
Can I claim if my employer says it was my fault?
Potentially. Your employer saying you were responsible does not automatically determine liability. The circumstances and evidence should be considered, including whether you were properly trained, supervised and provided with a safe system of work.
Do I have to report an accident at work?
You should tell your employer about the accident and follow the workplace’s reporting procedure. Whether the incident must also be reported under RIDDOR is a separate question, and RIDDOR duties generally fall on the responsible person rather than the injured employee.
What if there were no witnesses?
You may still be able to pursue a claim. Accident records, CCTV, photographs, medical records, training documents and other evidence may help establish what happened.
How long do I have to claim for an accident at work?
Many personal injury claims are subject to a three-year limitation period, but exceptions and different rules can apply. The Limitation Act 1980 provides the statutory framework, so you should not assume that every case follows exactly the same deadline.
