Accidents at Work
Being injured at work can have a serious and lasting impact on your life, particularly when the accident could have been avoided. If you’ve suffered an accident at work due to unsafe conditions, lack of training, faulty equipment, or employer negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
More about Accidents at Work
Every employer has a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, and when that duty is breached, the consequences can be life-altering. Whether your injury was caused by a fall, lifting incident, machinery fault, or exposure to hazardous materials, you have the right to seek compensation to aid your recovery.
An accident at work claim not only helps you recover the compensation you deserve for lost earnings, treatment costs, and pain and suffering, it also encourages better safety standards and accountability in the workplace. If you’ve been injured at work, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Some of the most common accidents include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Head Injuries
- Cuts and Scrapes
- Burns and Scalds
- Psychological Injuries
If you’ve been injured at work due to unsafe conditions or someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Get in touch with our expert team today to help you through the claims process.
Here’s how you should go about reporting an accident at work:
Report the Incident to Your Employer:
As soon as the accident occurs, inform your employer or supervisor. They should be made aware of the situation immediately, even if the injury seems minor at the time. The sooner you report it, the clearer the circumstances surrounding the accident will be. This also helps ensure that the necessary steps can be taken to address the situation and prevent further risks.
Fill Out an Accident Report:
Many workplaces have an accident book or incident report form. It’s essential that you document the details of the accident, including what happened, where and when it occurred, who was involved, and any witnesses to the event. This written record can be crucial if you later decide to make a claim.
Seek Medical Attention:
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention after an accident at work. A doctor can properly assess the extent of your injuries and provide a medical report. This documentation can help support your case, especially if you experience delayed symptoms or complications later.
Take Photos and Gather Evidence:
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and any contributing factors such as hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, exposed wires, etc. Gathering witness statements can also be beneficial. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be if you decide to pursue a claim.
Request a Copy of the Accident Report:
After reporting the accident, ask for a copy of the report or an acknowledgment that your employer has logged the incident. This ensures you have a record of the report in case of any future disputes.
Follow Company Procedures:
Every workplace should have procedures for reporting and addressing accidents. It is important to follow these steps exactly, as they may be part of the process required to file a claim or seek compensation. If you’re unsure about the procedure, ask your supervisor or human resources for guidance.
Keep Track of Your Injuries and Time Off:
Document how the injury affects your daily life, including any time off work, medical treatments, and the impact on your ability to perform tasks. This information can be valuable if you’re seeking compensation for loss of earnings or rehabilitation.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your accident is reported properly and that your rights are protected. If you need further assistance with reporting your accident or filing a claim, contact our expert solicitors today to help guide you through the process.
Employers must:
Provide a Safe Working Environment:
Employers must ensure that the working environment is free from known hazards. This includes maintaining cleanliness, adequate lighting, ventilation, and access to safe welfare facilities.
Supply and Maintain Suitable Equipment:
All tools, machinery, and personal protective equipment (PPE) must be safe to use, regularly inspected, and well-maintained. Faulty or inappropriate equipment must be repaired or replaced promptly to avoid accidents.
Offer Adequate Training and Supervision:
Employees should be properly trained to carry out their duties safely. This includes manual handling techniques, operating machinery, emergency procedures, and the correct use of safety equipment. Ongoing supervision and refresher training should also be provided where necessary.
Conduct Regular Risk Assessments:
Employers must carry out risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace and implement measures to control or eliminate those risks. These assessments should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially after incidents or changes in procedures.
Implement Clear Health and Safety Policies:
Businesses must have up-to-date health and safety policies in place and ensure these are communicated clearly to all staff. Employees should know how to report hazards, access first aid, and follow safety protocols.
When an employer fails to meet these legal duties, and an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result, the employer may be found negligent. In such cases, the injured person may be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.
Establishing a breach of duty is a vital step in any accident at work claim, and our expert team at Howard & Over can help you assess whether your employer met their legal obligations, and what to do if they didn’t. Contact us today.
Your Questions Answered
An accident at work refers to any incident that causes injury or harm while you're performing the duties of your job. This can include slips, trips, falls, machinery accidents, lifting injuries, or accidents caused by unsafe working conditions, lack of training, or faulty equipment.
Yes, you may still be able to claim compensation even if you were partially responsible. This is known as contributory negligence, and your compensation may be adjusted based on the level of responsibility shared between you and your employer.
It is unlawful for your employer to dismiss or treat you unfairly for making a legitimate claim. You have legal protection under employment and health & safety laws. If you’re concerned about job security, our expert team at Howard & Over can provide confidential advice regarding this.
Yes, although it is always best to report an accident as soon as possible. If you didn’t report it right away, you may still have a valid claim, especially if there is medical evidence or witness accounts to support what happened.
You may be able to claim for:
- Pain and suffering (physical and psychological)
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses related to treatment
- Care and support needs, if applicable
At Howard & Over, we will help you calculate the full extent of your losses to ensure nothing is overlooked and your compensation reflects the true impact the accident has had on your life, now and in the future.
You still have rights to a safe working environment. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence while working, even as a contractor or agency worker, you may be entitled to make a claim against the company responsible for your safety.
Yes. If you were injured while carrying out your work duties off-site, such as at a client’s premises, on the road, or at a construction site, you may still be eligible to claim. The key factor is whether you were acting in the course of your employment. At Howard & Over, our experts can help you establish who is legally responsible.
You may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Contractual Sick Pay, depending on the terms of your employment. In some cases, you might also qualify for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) if your injury is serious or long-term.
In addition, a successful personal injury claim can help recover any lost earnings — not just your immediate income, but also any ongoing financial impact if you are unable to return to work or need time off for treatment. At Howard & Over, our expert team will ensure all of your losses are accounted for as part of your claim.
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