The Steps You Should Take If You Are Injured at Work

If you have recently been injured in your workplace, you’ll know how scary the experience can be. It may even have been serious enough for you to look at claiming compensation. Knowing your rights and the proper steps to take can help make the process easier. Here is a guide on what to do if you suffer an injury at work in the UK.

1. Report the Injury

The first thing you’ll want to do is report the injury to your employer. Reporting injuries is required by law under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Make sure to report the injury, no matter how minor, even if you do not need medical treatment. Verbally report the injury to your supervisor or manager immediately. You should also report it in writing via company accident forms or incident reports. Details to include are the date, time, location, how the injury occurred, and any witnesses.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if an injury seems minor at first, it’s important to get medical attention right away. Seek first aid or visit your doctor or an urgent care clinic. Having the injury examined and documented provides evidence if you need to pursue any injury claims later. Make sure to inform the doctor this is a workplace injury so it can be properly noted in your medical records. Follow any recommendations such as taking time off work, restrictions, medications, or physical therapy.

3. Notify Your Employer of Medical Absences

Keep your employer informed of any work you miss due to the injury. If you need to take sick leave or medical appointments related to your workplace injury, let your employer know ASAP. Provide doctor’s notes confirming your injury and any certified time off work. You may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay for missed work due to injury.

4. Review Company Policies

Check your employer’s health and safety, absence, and injury reporting policies. Be familiar with your workplace rights and any benefits available such as sick pay or employee assistance programs. Ask about any insurance policies your employer has that could assist with injury claims or compensation. PA Duffy & Co solicitors who are based in a town in Northern Ireland called Dungannon may also be able to provide guidance on your options.

5. Document Everything

Keep detailed records about your injury, medical treatment, missed work, and expenses. Having thorough documentation helps prove your claim and get any compensation you may be entitled to. Keep copies of all accident reports, medical records, work absences, correspondence with employer/doctors, receipts for treatments or prescriptions, and anything else relating to the injury.

6. Consider Making a Claim

Depending on the details of your injury, you may be eligible to make an injury claim against your employer. Claims can help cover lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, or rehabilitation costs. The most common types of workplace injury claims are:

• Employer liability claims – If your employer was negligent and responsible for your injury.
• Personal injury claims – If a third party besides your employer caused the injury.
• Criminal injuries compensation – If you were injured due to a crime or assault at work.

Consult legal experts to discuss whether you have grounds for a claim and what steps to take. There are time limits for making claims, so it is wise to explore your options quickly.

Suffering an injury at work can negatively impact your finances, career, and quality of life. Knowing the proper protocols and procedures ensures you get the care and compensation you need to recover.