Workplace accidents happen when least expected. It includes a slip, a fall, or an equipment malfunction. If employees know what to do, they can protect their health. It can also protect your legal rights. This guide explains what to do if you have an accident at work. So, without delay, continue reading.
What to Do If You Have an Accident at Work
Take immediate steps when you have an accident at work. Your safety comes first. Follow these steps right away:
Ensure Everyone is Safe
Here are some actions that everyone must take to ensure optimal safety:
- Stop what you are doing. Also, look to see if you or others are in danger.
- Move away from any hazards. Like broken glass, chemicals, or faulty equipment. Safety matters more than anything else.
- Get to a safe place before doing anything else.
Call Emergency Services for Serious Injuries
For severe injuries, call for professional help immediately. Some injuries need urgent medical help. If you are wondering what is classed as an accident at work, here are the details. Call for help if you have:
- Knocked out or confused
- Heavy bleeding
- Broken bones
- Head, neck, or back injuries
- Trouble breathing
- Chemical burns or exposure
Get First Aid for Minor Injuries
For minor injuries, get first aid help. Ask a trained colleague or your supervisor. Clean cuts properly. Put ice on bruises. Raise sprained limbs. Even minor injuries need proper care. Also, this stops them from getting worse later. For more details, read “What are the most common accidents at work?”
Tell Your Manager Right Away
Inform your supervisor or manager about the accident. Do this as soon as possible. UK law requires you to report workplace accidents quickly. Moreover, this starts the official process. It also ensures you receive the right help.
What to do after accident at work?
After dealing with the immediate emergency, take these vital steps:
See a Doctor Within 24 Hours
Visiting a doctor is crucial even if you feel fine. Moreover, this is the first step if you are thinking about what to do after accident at work. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Concussions and internal injuries can be hidden. Obtaining medical records from the day of the incident is essential. These records help with any claims you might need to make.
Write Down Everything That Happened
Record all details about your accident. Do this while your memory is fresh. Write down:
- The exact date and time
- Where it happened
- What were you doing
- Weather conditions
- Equipment involved
- Names of people who saw it
- Take photos of the accident scene. Take pictures of your injuries. Photograph any damaged equipment. This evidence could be significant later.
Fill Out the Accident Book
UK workplaces must have an accident book. Complete this form honestly and thoroughly. Do not leave out essential details. Do not make your injuries sound less severe. This official record protects you and your employer.
Get Witness Details
Collect contact information from anyone who saw the accident. Also, the statements could support your story later. Do this while their memory is clear. Witness accounts can be very valuable.
Accident at Work Procedure: Your Rights in the UK
Understanding UK law helps you know what to expect:
RIDDOR Reporting Requirements
RIDDOR requires employers to report and keep records of work-related accidents. Your employer must report serious accidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This includes:
- Deaths at work
- Major injuries
- Accidents causing more than 7 days off work
- Work-related diseases
- Dangerous incidents
Right to Make a Compensation Claim
You can claim compensation if your accident was caused by:
- Employer negligence
- Faulty equipment
- Poor safety measures
- Inadequate training
- Unsafe working conditions
Acting quickly helps preserve evidence.
Steps After Workplace Accident: Protecting Your Future
Your recovery continues long after the accident. Here are the steps after workplace accident to protect yourself:
Follow Medical Treatment Plans
Attend all doctor appointments. Follow your treatment plan exactly. Take prescribed medicines. Do recommended exercises. Missing appointments can harm your compensation claim.
- Keep All Records Safe
- Save every document related to your accident:
- Medical bills and prescriptions
- Doctor reports and test results
- Time off work records
- Travel expenses to medical appointments
Stay in Contact with Your Employer
Update the employer about the health condition regularly. Moreover, provide medical certificates when needed. It is necessary to be honest about the recovery progress. Good communication prevents problems later.
Return to Work Safely
Make sure you are fully ready. If you have work restrictions, your employer must try to accommodate them. It might include:
- Lighter duties
- Shorter hours
- Modified workstation
- Different tasks
- Your employer has a duty of care to help you return safely.
When You Need Legal Help
Some situations require professional legal advice:
- Your employer denies that the accident happened
- If you are not getting proper medical care
- Your employer maltreats you after the accident
- Your compensation claim is refused
- The accident was caused by someone else
- You have long-term health problems
Qualified Specialist Solicitor
Many solicitors offer free consultations for workplace accident claims. They often work on a “no-win, no fee” basis.
DS Bal – 27-year Qualified Specialist Solicitor, a specialist in Injury Claims since 1999. With thousands of successful cases, he is a qualified specialist solicitor. His high settlement success rate and no-win, no-fee guarantee make him the best option among others.
So if you are unsure about what to do if you have an accident at work, contact Claim Today now!
How to Prevent Future Accidents
What to do if you have an accident at work? Learn from your accident to stay safer:
- Always follow safety rules
- Use protective equipment properly
- Report dangerous conditions immediately
- Take regular breaks to avoid tiredness
- Stay focused on your tasks
- Attend safety training sessions
- Speak up about safety concerns
Why Quick Action Matters
Time is crucial after a workplace accident. Quick action:
- Protects your health
- Preserves important evidence
- Meets legal reporting deadlines
- Starts your compensation claim
- Prevents future accidents
- Do not wait to see if you feel better. Start the accident at work procedure immediately.
Final Thoughts
Workplace accidents cause stress. Moreover, at times, you do not know what to do if you have an accident at work. They can be confusing, too. Follow the proper steps. Also, this protects your health. It also protects your rights.
Get medical care first. Report the accident next. These are your top priorities. Keep records of everything. Write everything down. UK law protects you well. Your employer must keep you safe at work. They must help you when accidents happen. Follow this accident at work procedure. You will get proper care. You will get fair compensation.
The procedure might look hard at first. Focus on getting better first. Deal with legal matters later. Deal with money matters later. Learn from your accident. Moreover, this helps prevent future accidents. Stay safe at work. Know what your rights are. Take the proper steps after any accident. Lastly, this makes a big difference. It helps your recovery. It protects your future.
What to do if you have an accident at work? FAQs
How quickly do I need to report my workplace accident?
You should tell your supervisor immediately within hours. The employer has legal duties under RIDDOR to report serious accidents to the HSE.
Can my employer refuse to report my accident?
No, your employer has a legal duty under RIDDOR to report serious workplace accidents. If your employer refuses, you can report the accident yourself to the HSE.
What if my employer says the accident was my fault?
Even if your employer blames you, you may still have rights to compensation and support. Many workplace accidents happen due to shared responsibility or employer negligence.
How long do I have to make a compensation claim?
For workplace accident compensation claims in the UK, you generally have three years from the date of the accident or from when you first knew the accident caused your injuries.
Do I need to use the company doctor after my accident?
In the UK, you can choose your doctor or hospital for treatment after a workplace accident. You are not required to use a company doctor.
