Accidents can occur anywhere from offices to construction sites. No work environment is completely immune to incidents that can cause harm to employees, despite how safe they may initially seem. While some accidents are major, resulting in serious injuries, many are minor, potentially leading to bruises, cuts or sprains. Regardless of their perceived severity, employees must report all accidents at work. This practice not only ensures the safety and wellbeing of employees, but also enables the proper handling of any ensuing legal or medical issues.
We understand the complexities of workplace incidents and are dedicated to providing advice and support to employees who have experienced accidents at work, guiding them through the reporting process and ensuring their rights are protected. In the following guide, we explain what you should do if you have had an accident at work and outline how you may be able to make a personal injury claim.
Understanding Minor Workplace Accidents
Common examples of minor accidents include slips, trips, minor burns, cuts, and even strains from incorrect manual handling or lifting heavy objects. The immediate effects of these incidents may seem inconsequential, and the injuries inflicted might appear negligible. However, unreported and untreated minor injuries can lead to more serious health complications over time. Also, a consistent pattern of minor accidents can indicate significant safety issues within a workplace.
Health and Safety Legislation in the UK
Every employee in the UK has the right to a safe and secure work environment, protected by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This holds employers responsible for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all their employees at work. Alongside this, the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) stipulates that employers must report certain types of work-related accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences.
Employers are legally obliged to maintain an accident book in which all incidents are reported. This must be easily accessible to employees and can be pivotal if an accident happens and an employee seeks compensation. It is essential for employees to know that they have a legal right to report accidents and they should be free from any form of retaliation from their employers for doing so.
The Procedure for Reporting a Minor Accident
After you experience an accident, your first priority should be to ensure your safety, and the safety of those around you. Notify others about the risk and seek first aid or medical attention if required. Once the situation is under control, formally report your accident to a supervisor or a designated safety officer, if available. The details of the incident should then be recorded in the company's accident book, making note of all relevant facts, including:
- The date and time
- The location
- A description of the incident
- The nature of any injuries incurred
It is advisable to request a copy of the completed accident book entry. Following this report, your employer must take action to assess the location where the workplace accident occurred and implement changes to ensure it does not happen again.
The Role of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
When an accident report is submitted, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) may decide to undertake an investigation to fully understand the circumstances surrounding your accident and will help to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Following an investigation, the HSE has the power to enforce safety regulations and can take legal action against organisations that fail to meet these standards. This helps create a culture of safety and holds employers accountable for maintaining secure working environments. A statement from the HSE can also help you to claim compensation.
Importance of Legal Assistance in Workplace Accidents
While minor accidents might not seem to warrant legal intervention, doing so can help you to claim compensation for any suffering you have had, and navigate hurdles during the accident reporting process. Ramsdens Solicitors has decades of experience in handling such claims. By working with a personal injury solicitor who specialises in workplace accidents, you can be confident that you will receive clear and practical advice to help you navigate your circumstances. Our team can guide you through each step, from initial reporting to seeking compensation, ensuring your rights are protected at all times.
Do not hesitate to contact Ramsdens Solicitors. Our experienced team is ready and prepared to provide the support and guidance you need. Call us today on 01484 821 500 or fill out our online contact form and we will return your call at a time suitable for you.