What to do if you have an accident at work

Whether minor or significant, workplace accidents can be distressing, leaving you feeling confused and potentially unsafe in an environment you experience daily, on top of having to resolve potential injuries. If you suffer an accident at work, follow these steps to ensure you’re back in control as soon as possible.

Common types of workplace accidents

Construction is considered the most dangerous industry, with 35 fatalities reported this year, closely followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing. Jobs in these sectors involve manual activities and heavy machinery use in dynamic environments, increasing the likelihood of harm.

However, there are risks in every workplace, whether classed as a hazardous environment or considered relatively safe, like an office. The most common reasons for non-fatal injuries at work are:

·       Slips, trips and falls (on the same level)

·       Handling, lifting or carrying

·       Struck by a moving object

·       Acts of violence

·       Falls from a height

Even if an accident doesn’t lead to a serious injury, it’s still worth following the next steps should one occur.

What to do if you have an accident

1.   Report the incident

Your employer should have reporting procedures in place for accidents at work. These will include who you should inform about the accident and how to report the incident to ensure it’s officially recorded. This might include filling in a physical logbook as well as emailing.

You should report the incident as soon as you’re able, without delaying essential medical care. This helps prevent future injuries and creates a clear

2.   Gather evidence

In case you need to prove what happened later, record evidence of the accident. This should include photographs and possibly videos of the scene and your injury. If anyone was with you when the accident occurred, you could ask them to write witness statements.

3.   Seek medical care

No matter the severity of your injury, seek medical care. This could be making use of the first-aid kit at work, with the advice of the workplace first-aider, or going to the hospital for professional analysis and treatment.

4.   Get specialist advice

Sometimes workplace accidents can lead to time off work, creating uncertainty around your financial welfare and job security. This isn’t just due to physical limitations: even minor injuries can cause ongoing mental health issues, which can make work challenging.

In these cases where the accident isn’t your fault, you could consider the option of a no-win no-fee personal injury claim through legal specialists who can help you secure financial compensation. An expert solicitor will be able to shed light on what you could claim and guide you through the process from start to finish, with no fees unless you’re successful.

5.   Record any expenses

Even if your injury was only minor, it’s only fair that you’re able to recover your pre-accident financial position. Record any expenses relating to your injury, large or small, such as medicines and the transport to and from hospital appointments.

You should also consider the associated funds lost. This could include missed salary payments or the cost of a prearranged holiday you can no longer take.