A workplace accident can happen unexpectedly, impacting your health, wellbeing and income. Whether you have suffered a minor injury or a more serious accident, it is essential to take the right steps to protect your safety, financial security, and legal rights.

At Switalskis, we understand how difficult this situation can be. If your employer failed to provide a safe working environment and you have been injured as a result, you have the right to seek support and, in some cases, claim compensation for what you have been through.

This guide explains what to do after an accident at work, how to report it and when you may need legal advice.

What to do immediately after a workplace accident

Taking action early can help protect your health and gather evidence that would support any future compensation claim:

Prioritise your own health

Your safety and wellbeing comes first. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries don't seem serious. Some symptoms, such as internal injuries or soft tissue damage, may not be obvious straight away. A medical professional can assess your condition and provide a record of the injuries sustained, which can support your case if you decide to make an accident at work claim .

Report the accident to your employer

It is your employer’s legal duty to keep workers safe. If an accident occurred at work, they must be made aware so they can take action to prevent future accidents. Report the incident as soon as possible to a manager, supervisor or health and safety officer.

For serious injuries, your employer may need to report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under dangerous occurrences regulations (RIDDOR ).

Record the accident in the workplace accident book

Workplaces with more than ten employees are legally required to keep an accident book to document injuries. If your employer has one, make sure your accident is recorded. This will be important evidence if you need to claim compensation later.

If your employer refuses to record the accident, write down the details yourself and email them to management. This provides a timestamped record of the incident.

Gather evidence

If your employer’s negligence contributed to your workplace injuries, collecting evidence will help you prove what happened:

• Take photographs: capture the accident scene, any equipment involved, and any hazards that caused the injury, and any visible injuries.
• Speak to witnesses: if colleagues saw what happened, ask for their contact details - a solicitor will use this to contact them about providing a statement.
• Keep medical records: document any medical appointments, treatment and any medical costs incurred.
• Make notes: write down details of the accident, including the date, time, location, and circumstances.

If your injuries prevent you from doing any of the above, ask a trusted colleague, friend or family member to help.

Check your sick pay entitlements

If you need time off work as an injured person to recover, you may be entitled to statutory sick pay or contractual sick pay, depending on your contract. If your injuries mean you cannot work for a longer period, you might also be eligible to claim Universal Credit or other benefits.

Your employer’s responsibilities after an accident

Employers have a legal duty to protect workers and follow health and safety regulations. After an accident, they should:

• Investigate what happened: they should review the accident details, speak to any witnesses and assess whether failures in workplace safety contributed to the incident. This may involve checking risk assessments, maintenance records or training logs to determine how the accident could have been prevented.
• Report serious injuries: if the accident falls under dangerous occurrences regulations, the employer must report it to HSE. This applies to incidents such as fractures, loss of consciousness or other serious injuries that meet reporting thresholds under RIDDOR.
• Improve safety: employers must take reasonable steps to prevent future accidents. This may include updating risk assessments, providing better personal protective equipment, improving safety training, or making physical changes to the workplace to remove hazards.

If an employer fails to take these steps and a work-related accident occurs, they could be held legally responsible. Failing to address known risks not only puts employees in danger but may also lead to legal claims and enforcement action by HSE or local authorities.

When should you seek legal advice?

If your employer did not take proper safety precautions to prevent your injury, you may have a strong case for a compensation claim. An experienced personal injury solicitor will help you understand your rights and support you in holding your employer accountable.

You could have grounds for a work compensation claim in situations such as:

• Your employer failed to provide proper safety training or personal protective equipment.
• You were injured due to unsafe working conditions or faulty equipment involved.
• Your employer pressured you not to report incidents or failed to document them properly.
• You suffered serious injuries that have affected your ability to work or your quality of life.

No one should have to suffer because of their employer’s negligence. If you are unsure about your rights, speaking to a personal injury solicitor can help you understand what steps to take next.

How Switalskis can help you

If you have suffered a workplace injury, Switalskis will help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Whether your claim is against an employer, a third-party contractor or another responsible organisation, our team has the experience and legal knowledge to guide you through the process.

The majority of cases we take on are under a no win, no fee agreement. This means there are no upfront costs for you to cover, and you will not have to pay legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim is successful, our fees are taken as a percentage of your compensation.

To support your claim, we may arrange for you to be assessed by an independent medical expert. Their report can provide evidence of the injuries sustained, their impact on your health, and any long-term effects. This can be essential in determining the level of compensation you could receive, particularly if your injury has led to ongoing medical needs or affected your ability to work.

If you have been injured at work and want to explore your legal options, speak to the team at Switalskis. Call us on 0800 1380 458 or reach out via our website to find out how we can support you.