What to do if an accident occurs in the workplace

What to do if an accident occurs in the workplace

Accidents in the workplace can happen unexpectedly, posing risks to both employees and employers. Whether it is a minor incident or a major emergency, knowing how to respond effectively is crucial for maintaining safety and minimising potential harm. Workplace safety protocols and procedures not only help prevent accidents but also guide actions in the event of an unfortunate incident.

Accidents in the workplace can have significant physical, emotional and financial impacts on those involved. If you have been injured at work as a result of an accident, you may be eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Beacon Law has a team of experienced accident at work solicitors who can assist you following an accident at work and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Common types of workplace accidents

The types of accidents that can lead to work accident claims may depend on the specific circumstances of each incident, but the majority of accidents at work that result in work accident claims include:

Slips, trips, and falls:

These accidents can result in a range of injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, and sprains, and can lead to work accident claims if they were caused by a hazard that was not properly addressed by the employer.

Manual handling injuries:

This includes injuries caused by lifting, carrying, or moving heavy objects, and can result in back injuries or other types of musculoskeletal disorders.

Industrial machinery accidents:

These types of accidents can result in serious injuries, such as amputations, and can be caused by a lack of training, poor maintenance, or inadequate safety measures. 

Work-related road traffic accidents:

These can occur when employees are required to drive for extended periods of time, such as making deliveries, and can result in injuries to the employee or other drivers or passengers.

Construction site accidents:

This includes accidents on construction sites, such as falls from scaffolding, being struck by falling objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery.

If you have been injured in an accident at work, you may be entitled to make a claim. It is important to seek legal advice from a qualified work accident lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to.

Your employers’ responsibilities

Ensuring workplace safety is essential, and it is your employer’s legal requirement to provide a secure environment for your well-being and productivity.

Their duty of care extends to providing adequate training and necessary equipment to enable you to execute your work safely. Furthermore, they must ensure the workplace and equipment are maintained to uphold safety standards consistently.

The legislation and health and safety laws have been established to improve employee protection. The Health and Safety Executive offers comprehensive guidelines on their website to aid employers in complying with Health and Safety Legislation. Your employer must report serious work-related accidents to the Health and Safety Executive.

In the unfortunate event of an injury resulting from employer negligence, you retain the right to sick pay and the ability to pursue a workplace injury claim.

What to do if an accident occurs in the workplace

Following an accident at work, it is imperative to take several steps, with the primary focus being on seeking medical attention for any workplace injuries sustained. If you’ve been harmed in a workplace incident, you may have the right to pursue compensation.

Notify your employer: Promptly inform your employer about the accident, preferably in writing. Include comprehensive details of the accident along with the names and contact information of any witnesses. Your employer should maintain an accident book to document workplace incidents. Reporting accidents can also help to ensure that proper action is taken to prevent further accidents in the future.

Seek medical care: You should seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible. Maintain a thorough medical record of all medical treatments received, including prescribed medications and incurred medical expenses.

Gather evidence: Collecting evidence is crucial to support your claim. Capture photographs of the accident site, gather witness statements, and compile any other documentation relevant to your case.

Consult an accident at work lawyer: If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim, reach out to specialised accident at work lawyers like Beacon Law. Our team offers expert advice and support to guide you through the claims process effectively.

Taking these steps ensures that you prioritise your well-being and rights following a workplace accident, setting the groundwork for a potential compensation claim.

How can Beacon Law assist?

At Beacon Law, our law firm provides a team of highly experienced solicitors and legal professionals. We provide a high level of service to all our clients and work hard to ensure you receive the highest level of injury at work compensation for your accident.

Beacon Law is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. To find out about our no win, no fee funding, have a look at the funding section on our website.

To find out more about making a workplace accident, take a look at our FAQ’s.

If you have a query regarding making a workplace accident claim, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to discuss your claim with you, without any obligations.

For more advice on what to do if an accident occurs in the workplace, get in touch today.

For a free initial consultation, contact us using the form at the top of the page or using our live chat facility. Alternatively, you can call us directly on 03301332857.