Workplace Accidents
Injuries at work can happen to anybody, whatever your role. In 2017/2018, there were 30.7 million working days lost due to injuries and illnesses sustained in the workplace.
Employers are bound by law to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
Who Is Responsible?
RIDDOR requires all employers, the self-employed and those in control of the premises to keep records and report within 10 days to the relevant enforcing authority any of the following:
- Work-related deaths
- Work accidents resulting in an employee being unable to carry out their normal duties for more than 7 days in a row
- Work accidents causing certain injuries as stated by RIDDOR (see more on our workplace vehicle guide) such as serious burns, fractures, and head injuries resulting in loss of consciousness.
- Near misses caused by certain dangerous occurrences such as lift bearing equipment collapsing
- Accidents on work premises occurring to members of the public resulting in on-site or off-site treatment. In the case of a visitor such as an engineer or delivery person being injured, their own employer should make the report.
- Certain occupational diseases brought about or made worse by workplace activities
Why Is It Important?
Not only is the recording and reporting of workplace accidents a legal requirement but also important for the future safety of employees. It helps to identify where there are risks and whether further investigations and precautions are needed. This may result in:
- Better risk assessments
- Solutions to potential risks being developed
- A safer environment for others
- Reduce & prevent future injuries and ill health to others
- New legislation/guidance being introduced
If you incurred an injury at work that wasn’t your fault, these records may prove invaluable when making a work accident claim. The earlier the accident is recorded, the better chance of getting all the details necessary to make a claim for work accident compensation.
The details recorded will be a legal record of what happened and include details such as:
- Date and method of reporting
- Date, time and location of the incident
- Details of the individuals involved
- Summary of what occurred
If you or a colleague have an accident at work,you must let your employer know so that they can fulfil their legal duty to record and report where necessary.
Have You Had a Workplace Injury?
If you have suffered an injury at work that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. This doesn’t just take into account any loss of earnings but also the stress and emotional impact of such an injury.
At Injury Lawyers UK, we have the experience to assess any potential claims. Based in Kent and London, we have teams of experts who will advise if we think you’re owed compensation. There is no risk to yourself as we have a no win, no fee policy so if you don’t pursue the claim or we are unsuccessful, you don’t have to pay a penny.
Our team of personal injury lawyers are on hand to help and advise you through any potential claim. Call us on 0800 1123 15, or fill out our personal injury enquiry form and we’ll get in touch with you.
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