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What Should My Employer do if I Have an Accident at Work?

Accidents can happen in any workplace, regardless of how careful we are. When an accident occurs, it’s crucial for both employers and employees to understand their responsibilities and take appropriate actions. In the UK, employers have legal obligations to ensure the safety and well-being of their workers. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what employers should do if an employee has an accident at work, outlining key responsibilities, procedures, reporting requirements and starting an accident at work claim.

What are My Employer’s Responsibilities When it Comes to Protecting me in the Workplace?

Your Employer has a legal responsibility to ensure your health and safety and that of the other employees working for them.

While some accidents may occur unexpectedly which makes them difficult to prevent, others can most definitely be avoided. Often, workplace accidents occur due to insufficient attention to risk assessments, inadequate training or provision of necessary equipment to staff, or when shortcuts are taken to expedite tasks or reduce costs.

The foremost concern of any employer should be the safety and welfare of their staff, which means it is important they put measures into place to ensure this such as:

  • Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suitable for the tasks performed.
  • Conducting health and safety training to educate employees on potential hazards and safe practices.
  • Giving them comprehensive training on machinery and equipment operation.
  • Conducting regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate workplace hazards.
  • Ensuring regular maintenance and inspection of machinery and equipment to prevent accidents.

What Should You Do if You Have an Accident at Work That Wasn’t Your Fault?

When you have an accident at work, there are certain steps you need to take. This is especially important if the accident was not your fault and you are considering making an accident at work claim. This is why you should make sure you always take the following action:

  • Notify your supervisor or manager immediately.
  • Seek medical attention if necessary.
  • Gather evidence, such as witness statements and photographs of the accident scene.
  • Record details of the accident for your own records.

What Does My Employer Need to Do If I Have an Accident at Work?

When you have an accident at work, there are a number of things that your employer is legally required to do to comply with Health and Safety legislation. You should ensure your employer does the following things:

  • Ensures that the accident is recorded accurately in the company’s accident book.
  • Investigate the accident to determine its causes and prevent similar incidents in the future.
  • Provide support and assistance to the injured employee, including access to medical treatment and time off if needed.

The accident book is a crucial part of any system for recording workplace incidents and you should make sure it is filled out correctly. All the following details should be noted down in the report:

  • Date and time of the accident
  • Location of the accident
  • Description of the incident and injuries sustained
  • Name and contact details of the injured employee
  • Name Contact Details and Position of the Person Recording the Accident
  • Any immediate action taken in response to the accident

It is imperative you check that all details have been written down correctly as the accident book can be used as evidence if you feel your employer is at fault for the injuries you have suffered and decide to make an accident at work compensation claim.

RIDDOR Reports – What Are They and When Are They Required?

A RIDDOR report, officially titled The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, is a crucial health and safety measure mandated for documenting any instances of work-related injuries, illnesses, or incidents.

All the following are reportable under RIDDOR:

  • Incapacitation from work — If an injured employee is unable to attend work or perform their normal duties for more than seven consecutive days as a result of their injury, this must be reported.
  • Specific injuries — These include but are not limited to:
    • Amputations.
    • Fractures, other than to fingers, toes, and thumbs.
    • Any injury that may lead to permanent loss or a reduction in sight.
    • Serious burns that cover more than 10% of the body or cause significant damage to the respiratory system, eyes or vital organs.
    • Any crush injury to the head or torso that is likely to cause damage to the brain or internal organs.
    • Loss of consciousness caused by a head injury or asphyxiation.
    • Hypothermia or heat-induced illnesses.
    • Scalping that requires hospital treatment.
  • Any injury that requires resuscitation or admittance to the hospital for more than 24 hours.
  • Occupational illnesses — Any diseases or conditions that develop or are proven to be made worse as a direct consequence of your employee’s job must be reported.
  • Dangerous occurrences — Also classed as ‘near misses’, this is where an incident that has taken place had the potential to cause serious injury or death.
  • Fatalities — If an employee dies as a result of their injuries.

Who Is Responsible for Reporting Accidents That Fall Under RIDDOR:

Employers, self-employed individuals, and individuals in control of workplace premises are responsible for reporting RIDDOR incidents.

How Do You Submit a RIDDOR Report:

Reports can be submitted online through the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

Alternatively, reports can be made by phone to the HSE’s Incident Contact Centre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, workplace accidents can have serious consequences, but knowing the correct procedures to follow can help mitigate risks and ensure that necessary actions are taken promptly. Both employers and employees play vital roles in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. By understanding their responsibilities and adhering to regulations, workplaces can minimise accidents and prioritise the well-being of their workforce.

Can I Claim compensation if I am Injured in an Accident at Work That Wasn’t My Fault?

The simple answer to that question is yes; any employee can claim compensation for accidents at work that were not their fault. In such cases, seeking legal assistance can be invaluable. Here at Tylers, we are proud to be recognised as a leading provider of no win, no fee legal services specialising in personal injury claims, including workplace accidents.

As specialist accident at work solicitors, we understand the complexities of workplace injury cases and can help employees navigate the legal process to secure the compensation they are entitled to. With our expertise and commitment to client satisfaction, we aim to provide comprehensive support to individuals seeking rightful compensation for workplace injuries.

So, if you have been injured at work and it wasn’t your fault, call our experienced team of no win, no fee solicitors on 0800 699 0079 or contact us via our online contact form, and get your accident at work claim underway!

Need more information? Don’t worry, one of our professional claims solicitors will advise you along the way

Contact us on 0800 699 0079 or via our online contact form to start your claim today!

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