Proving Work Accidents

Cementing your case

Proof of accidents at work is vital, and your employers are required by law to keep a record of any accidents to help you in claiming compensation. Keeping proof will also help to prevent future accidents from occurring.

Recording work accidents

There are numerous records that your employer must complete. First of all they should record the accident in the in the accident book. All accidents must be recorded, however minor they may be. When you sign the book it is advised you read through the description to make sure it is accurate.

After you have been medically assisted by the first aid team, a representative must report all of the injuries you may have sustained.

When all of your injuries have been recorded and you have been provided with any treatment you needed from a hospital or GP the records will be copied to your employer which are known as your ‘occupational records’

Work accident questionnaire

The accident questionnaire should be completed as soon after the injury as possible and is provided by your employer. This will provide a full personal description of the work accident and how it happened along with all the injuries you suffered at the time.

After you have filled out the questionnaire detailing your point of view, your supervisor should then give their own description of the accident. This record should compile of a report including what happened to you along with points of view from any witnesses, who should also sign.

If you are a member of a union your union representative should also give a report of the accident.

Health and safety report

The next record to produce is for the Health and Safety Executive. The executive monitors the health and safety of the employers and is part of the government. Your employer is required by law to report to them. This can cause the employee to take three days off work or more. This report is known as a RIDDOR report (when RIDDOR stands for reporting injuries, diseases, dangerous occurrences regulations).

After the health and safety report is made a meeting is usually held by your employers to discuss the circumstances of the accident.

An investigative report should then be made looking into how the accident happened along with any risk assessments.

The final type of report you should make is to keep all records of when you had to phone in explaining your absence and any sick notes.

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