Claiming Compensation for Accidents at Work

If you are involved in an accident at work, it will be necessary for you to show that your injuries were caused by the negligence of your employer. Your employer is also responsible for the actions of work colleagues who cause accidents involving injury. Please remember that you have an obligation to make your employer aware of any accidents, which occur whilst at work. This information should be properly recorded in the Accident Book. Please note, your employer cannot terminate your employment if you make a claim for compensation. If you are in any doubt or concerned over this, we recommend that you consult us immediately.

If you are an employer, self-employed or in control of work premises you are required under RIDDOR to report some types of work-related accidents and accident at work, diseases and dangerous occurrences.

Reporting accident at work and ill health at work is a legal requirement under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. The information gathered helps the Local Authority and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to identify where and how risks arise and to prevent reoccurrence and prevent further pain and suffering to employees.

You must report all of the following:

• A death
• A major injury
• An over-three-day injury (this is when an employee or self-employed person has an accident at work and is unable to work for over three days, but does not have a major injury);
• A work-related disease
• A dangerous occurrence
• Where a member of the public is taken directly to hospital

How Soon Do I Have To Report The Incident?

All time limits for reporting accident at work vary depending on the severity and the guide below should be followed.

• Where the accident has resulted in someone’s death or a major injury we need to be notified immediately
• Over 3-day injuries need to be reported within 10 days.
• As soon as possible after the doctor diagnosis a work related disease.
• Dangerous occurrences need to be reported immediately

Have you suffered an accident at work? If so, you may well be able to claim compensation from your employer’s insurance company.

Work injury can be defined as any accident at work that could have been avoided. And if the work injury were not your fault, you’re entitled to reasonable financial compensation.