With a reported 1,980 non-fatal workplace injuries in Great Britain between 2022 and 2023, according to the Labor Force Survey, understanding what to do after a workplace accident is crucial.

Whether it’s a fall, electric shock, or injury from faulty equipment, knowing how to act can safeguard your health and rights.

Accident compensation experts from Claims.co.uk have outlined key steps to follow if you’re injured on the job, to ensure both your safety and your eligibility for compensation.

  1. Report the Incident to Your Employer

The first step is to report the incident immediately. Ensure the details are recorded in writing, including the time, location, and any witnesses. Keep a copy of the report for your records. Additionally, verify if your employer has notified the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as this report could serve as critical evidence in your claim.

  1. Collect Evidence at the Scene

Gather as much evidence as possible, starting with photographs and videos of the scene, equipment involved, and any hazards that contributed to the accident. Given that the environment may change quickly, documenting the area immediately is essential.

Capturing images of your injuries is also important. If CCTV footage is available, request access from your employer or the owner of the system, as they are legally required to provide it within 40 days of the request.

  1. Obtain Witness Statements

If colleagues or bystanders witnessed the incident, obtain signed statements from them. Record their names and contact details, as they may be called upon to provide further evidence later.

  1. Keep Detailed Medical Records

Ensure you retain all records of medical treatment, including reports and prescription receipts. These will be key to proving the severity of your injuries. If you’re unable to access medical records yourself, your solicitor can request them with your permission.

  1. Maintain a Personal Account

Keeping a personal log of the incident, including a timeline of events from the time of the accident through medical treatment and employer communication, is essential. This record can strengthen your claim, especially if there’s a dispute regarding responsibility for the accident.

  1. Follow Medical Advice

Adhering to the advice given by your healthcare provider is not only beneficial for your recovery but also vital for your claim. Failure to follow medical recommendations could potentially weaken your case.

  1. Return to Work Cautiously

It’s important not to rush back to work until fully ready. If advised to return with restrictions—such as avoiding heavy lifting or working reduced hours—ensure that your employer is aware and accommodating of these conditions.

Filing a Claim for a workplace injury

If the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence, such as your employer’s failure to maintain a safe environment, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Claims must typically be filed within three years of the accident or the date you became aware of your injury.

A spokesperson for Claims.co.uk emphasises the importance of acting quickly after a workplace injury:

“In the aftermath of an accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But even in the face of a minor or serious injury, if negligence was involved, you have a right to compensation. Collecting evidence and keeping detailed records are crucial steps to protecting your rights.”

By following these steps, injured workers can ensure they protect their legal rights, prioritise their recovery, and possibly prevent future accidents in the workplace.

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Amelia Brand

Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.