Accidents at Work

How can we help you?

If you’ve been injured at work, we’re here to support you in getting the care and justice you need. Our team has experience in a wide range of cases, from minor injuries to life-changing accidents.

How much compensation you will be entitled to will vary depending on your case. You can use our Compensation Calculator to find out how much your claim may be worth. We also offer a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case. Just get in touch today and talk to a member of our team.

What counts as an accident?

According to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), an accident is a “separate, identifiable, unintended incident” which has caused physical injury. In the context of RIDDOR, this also includes injuries from violence at work.

It’s important to note that injuries themselves are not accidents. A sudden sharp feeling in a muscle is an injury unless you can identify an external event that caused it, such as repetitive lifting.

Accidents at work can include trips, slips, injuries caused by machines, falls from ladders or scaffolding, being hit by falling objects, or more serious injuries from fire and explosion. Injuries, such as repetitive strain injuries, can also be caused by your work environment.

What are the most common workplace accidents?

Workplace accidents are recorded separately depending on whether they result in a fatality or an injury. The most common non-fatal injuries are slips, trips, and falls on the same level. This means falling over on a flat surface, as opposed to falling off something. Falling from a height is the leading cause of death or serious injury for workers.

It is known that employers under-report workplace accidents – HSE estimates by about half – but despite this, we know that after slips, trips and falls the most common workplace accidents are:

• Injured whilst handling, lifting or carrying
• Struck by moving object
• Acts of Violence
• Falls from a height
• Strike against something fixed or stationary
• Contact with moving machinery
• Struck by moving vehicle

What should I do if I’ve been injured at work?

Make a Record

You’ll find having documentation of your injury helpful if you want to make a claim or receive benefits like Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

It’s a good idea to take photos of your injury, and what caused the accident. Then make notes as soon as you’re able. Write down what happened and ask anyone who saw what happened to do the same.

Report the Accident

Make sure your employer knows about your accident. If you’re self-employed you will need to report it to HSE. If you’re not in your usual workplace (say a client’s property) when the accident occurred, notify the appropriate on-site manager, personnel lead, or health and safety officer at said premises as well as your employer.

Official Records

If the company you work for has more than 10 employees, it is required to have an accident book. Your accident must be recorded in it, and you can check that it has been.

Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can. As well as treating your injury, they can record the details of your accident in your medical record.

Sick Pay and Benefits

Review the terms of your employment to see if you’re entitled to contractual sick pay. Your employment contract may include medical care or insurance. HR departments, supervisors or staff handbooks can help you understand company policies.

Making a Claim

If you think your injury is due to your employer’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. There are time limits to claims, so make sure to get advice promptly. You can get in touch with a member of our personal injury team today.

Our Fees

Personal Injury claims are funded on a no-win, no-fee basis. For more information on how you fund your personal injury claim with Thompson Smith and Puxon, please see our Funding Options.