In the bustling landscape of the UK workforce, most individuals remain unscathed by workplace accidents. Yet, for the unfortunate minority who have suffered injuries in such incidents, figuring out what to do next can be challenging.
According to UK Law, employers, self-employed individuals, and those in charge of work premises are obligated to report all workplace incidents to the relevant authorities. These regulations are outlined in ‘The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013’ (RIDDOR).
RIDDOR aims to enhance workplace health and safety standards across the country. By ensuring consistent reporting across various industries, authorities can pinpoint trends and take necessary measures to reduce harm to employees and prevent future incidents.
So, what happens if an accident at work is not reported by your employer? Failure to comply with RIDDOR requirements can lead to penalties and, in some instances, legal action against employers and other responsible parties.
4 reasons why workplace accidents may not be reported
There are a few reasons why an individual might not report their workplace accident.
- The injured party may not be aware they have sustained an injury at the time of their accident.
- An incident may be verbally reported to a manager and the manager fails or forgets to file it afterwards.
- An accident report may not be taken if the employee is physically incapable or falls unconscious as a result of their injuries.
- If the full extent of an individual’s injuries is not apparent at the scene of the accident, this detail may not be included in the accident report.
In any case, it is advisable to report any workplace incident, regardless of its magnitude, just in case. If you are unable to do so yourself, a witness may be able to assist you. It is crucial that the incident is reported accurately and under the correct protocols, as any conflicting or missing details could jeopardise your injury claim if you decide to pursue one.
So, what happens if an accident at work is not reported?
You may be wondering what happens if an accident at work is not reported but you want to claim compensation for your injuries. Workplace accident reports are valuable as they document the accident’s date, circumstances, and resulting injuries.
It’s clear that having solid evidence significantly increases the likelihood of a successful injury claim. Even in the absence of an accident report, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries. However, your solicitor will need to gather alternative evidence to build a strong case. This may include CCTV footage, witness statements, photographs, and comprehensive medical records.
How a personal injury solicitor can help you
The period following an accident can be incredibly unsettling, especially for those unable to work due to their injuries. The steps to take after an accident are not always straightforward and depend on the nature of the incident and its circumstances.
Personal injury solicitors possess extensive knowledge and experience in handling various workplace accidents. They understand the complexities of injury claims and know what is required to construct a compelling case, even in situations where crucial evidence like accident reports are absent.
Why choose Stonehewer Moss Solicitors?
Stonehewer Moss Solicitors are an APIL accredited personal injury law firm based in the North West of England, representing clients nationwide. APIL accreditation serves as a testament to the competence and specialised expertise of the solicitors at Stonehewer Moss, ensuring your injury claim is in capable hands.
No one should endure uncertainty after an accident. At Stonehewer Moss Solicitors, our mission is to secure rightful compensation for injured workers. We recognise the financial strain accidents can bring, and we’re committed to easing your burden. Our team strives to promptly secure payments for lost income and reimburse any additional expenses you have incurred as a result. Your financial stability matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Talk to our claims solicitor
Call us on freephone 0800 434 6544 or 01606 87 22 00
Email us at info@stonehewermoss.co.uk
