Did you know 61,713 injuries to employees in the workplace were reported in the UK by the end of 2022?

Injuries at work are more common than people think, which is why in this article we’ll be delving into everything you need to know about workplace injuries and the importance of reporting them.

What is classed as a workplace injury?

According to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), a workplace injury is an identifiable external event that causes harm.

The injury would have occurred if any of the following played a role:

• How the work was carried out
• Any machinery, plant, substances or equipment used for the job
• The condition of the premises where the accident happened

Here we have listed some of the most common workplace injuries:

• Stress-related illness
• Slips, falls, and trips
• Falling from a height
• Road traffic accidents
• Manual handling injuries

Why is it important to report a workplace injury?

Reporting workplace injuries is a legal requirement for employers, and failing to do so can result in fines or legal action against the company.

However, this is not the only reason why reporting a workplace injury is so important.

By reporting any accidents or incidents that occur in the workplace, employers can take steps to prevent them from happening again. That contributes to an improvement in overall workplace safety because it is the ideal opportunity to reassess health and safety measures.

This could include replacing equipment, providing training or updating policies.

Most importantly, as an individual, it is imperative that you report any accidents or injuries that occur in the workplace to protect your rights as an employee.

Sustaining an injury in the workplace could entitle you to make a compensation claim, so recording and reporting the incident will ensure your employer can protect your rights and provide you with the help you need.

What happens if you don’t report a workplace injury?

Although you may be hesitant to report an injury you’ve sustained in the workplace, it is important that you do to protect other employees as well as yourself.

Failing to alert your employer to an accident could result in others being injured in the same way.

Furthermore, not reporting your workplace injury could affect your chances of making a successful compensation claim.

If your employer is unaware of the incident, they could claim you were working unsafely and may not support how you say the injury was sustained.

The best way to report an injury is to inform your employer as soon as possible.

Once they are made aware, it is their responsibility to make a record of it and, if necessary, report it to the relevant local authorities.

The log of your accident should be accessible, and you will be able to obtain a copy to assist with making a claim and receiving further support.

How to make a claim for a workplace injury

At Wafer Phillips, we understand that being the victim of an injury at work can be incredibly distressing, which is why our team is here to help.

To make a successful claim, you must be able to prove that your workplace is liable for causing the injury or illness. The company is responsible for preventing employees from becoming ill or being injured at work. If they failed in this duty due to negligence, compensation can be paid from their liability insurance.

While this may sound daunting, there is no need to worry because our injury claim solicitors will support you throughout. From filling out injury forms to dealing with insurance companies, we are committed to ensuring you receive the right medical treatment and compensation.

Your solicitor will be with you at every stage of the process, and will continue to work hard to win you the settlement you deserve.

We adopt a no-win, no-fee policy; there are no hidden charges for you to worry about, and your employer’s liability insurance covers all costs.

If you or a loved one has recently been a workplace injury victim and would like to know more about making a claim, visit our Workplace Injuries page.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today on 0151 256 7898 to arrange a free initial consultation.

 

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