If you’ve had an accident at work, you might be wondering how long you have to report it - and what happens if you don’t. In the moment, dealing with an injury can feel like a priority, but reporting the accident is just as important. Whether the injury seems minor or more serious, making sure it is properly recorded can help prevent further incidents in the workplace - and create important evidence should you decide to make a claim for compensation at a later date.

Employers have a legal duty to keep a record of workplace accidents too, and in some cases they must report them to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR ). Even if your accident doesn’t fall under these rules, it should still be documented. This applies whether you’re an employee, self-employed or responsible for work premises. Understanding the reporting process ensures you can meet any legal obligations. It also means that if you need time off, medical care or to claim compensation, there’s a clear record of what happened that can support your case.

What is the legal requirement for reporting a workplace accident?

Certain serious injuries, dangerous incidents, work-related diseases, and fatal accidents must be reported by your employer to HSE under RIDDOR. Even if an accident does not meet RIDDOR requirements, it should still be recorded in the accident book. If your workplace has ten or more employees, keeping this record is a legal requirement.

Reporting your accident promptly ensures there’s a clear record of what happened. If you decide to claim compensation, a delay in reporting could make it harder to prove the circumstances of your injury. Even if the injury seems minor at first, having it logged can protect you later if symptoms worsen or lead to time off work.

When should an accident at work be reported?

There is no strict legal requirement for how quickly you must report an accident, but it should be done immediately or as soon as possible. Your employer, however, must follow strict time limits when reporting certain incidents under RIDDOR:

• Fatal accidents, major injuries, and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately and no later than 10 days after the incident.
• Injuries requiring more than seven days off work must be reported within 15 days.
• Cases of work-related diseases should be reported as soon as a diagnosis is confirmed.
• Accidents causing an absence of more than three days must be recorded but do not need to be reported to the HSE.

If your employer fails to report serious injuries or dangerous incidents when required, HSE may take enforcement action. If you’re worried about your employer not reporting an accident properly, and how this could impact your claim - a solicitor can help you understand your options and gather the evidence required to build your case.

What happens if an accident is not reported?

If an accident report form is not completed or a workplace accident is not recorded in the accident book, you may find it difficult to claim compensation later. Without a written record, proving that the incident happened and that the employer was responsible can be challenging.

Employers who fail to report dangerous occurrences or work-related deaths when required may face fines or prosecution. In cases where an employee has suffered serious injuries, the Health and Safety Executive may investigate whether safety measures were followed.

How long do you have to claim compensation for a workplace accident?

If you’re considering making a personal injury claim, you have three years to start legal proceedings. This period typically begins on the accident date but may start later if your injury wasn’t immediately apparent - such as when a medical diagnosis confirms it was caused by the accident.

• If you are thinking about making a personal injury claim, the time limit is three years from the date of the accident. There are some exceptions to this rule:
• If the injured person was under 18 at the time, the three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday.
• If the person lacks mental capacity, there may be no time limits until they recover.
• In cases where an occupational illness develops over time (e.g., asbestos-related diseases), the three-year period starts from the date of diagnosis. 

What should you do after an accident at work?

If you’ve suffered an injury at work, you should take the following steps:

• Report the incident: inform your employer and make sure it is recorded in the accident book.
• Complete an accident report form: if your workplace has an official reporting system, make sure the details are documented.
• Seek medical attention: whether from a doctor, hospital or workplace medical care provider, having a medical record can support any future claim.
• Gather evidence: take photos, collect witness statements and keep any relevant correspondence.
• Seek legal support: if you need to claim compensation, a workplace injury claim solicitor can help you understand your options.

Get in touch

If you’re thinking about making a claim, getting the right legal support can make all the difference. At Switalskis, we have the experience and understanding to guide you through the workplace accident compensation process.

Many of our cases are handled on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there’s nothing to pay upfront and no financial risk if your claim is unsuccessful. If your case delivers the compensation you’re owed, our fees are taken as a percentage of your award, so you’ll never be out of pocket.

We can also help gather the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include an independent medical assessment to confirm the impact of your injuries, as well as witness statements that can strengthen your case.

Speak to our team today for free legal advice about your right to claim. Call us on 0800 1380 458 or reach out via our website to find out how we can support you.