Many people search for the accident at work procedure after a normal working day ends in an injury. A sudden incident raises immediate concerns about what to do next and whether reporting it could affect your job.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that 680,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury at work in 2024/25. This figure comes from Labour Force Survey data. In contrast, employers recorded only 59,219 injuries under the RIDDOR reporting system. This gap shows that many workplace accidents never progress through the full reporting process.
The difference is clearer when comparing injury rates. Employers reported 209 injuries per 100,000 employees under RIDDOR. In contrast, survey data suggests a much higher rate of around 2,070 per 100,000 workers.
Many injured workers do not report incidents. This is often because they are unsure of their rights or how to report an accident at work properly.
This guide explains the accident at work procedure. It covers how to report and record an incident and what your employer should do. It also explains how the accident at work claim procedure applies in cases involving negligence. It also outlines your legal rights and how Claim Time Solicitors can support you on a No Win No Fee basis.
Table of Contents
Key takeaways:
- Workplace injuries are underreported, with 680,000 incidents versus far fewer officially recorded cases
- Failing to follow the correct procedure can weaken evidence and affect your legal position
- Reporting and recording the accident protects your rights, even if no claim is made
- Employers have a legal duty to investigate incidents and maintain safe working conditions
- Strong evidence, including photos and witness details, directly supports the claim’s strength
- Being partly at fault does not remove your right to claim compensation under UK law
- Early legal advice helps protect your position, clarify rights, and guide next steps
What is the accident at work procedure?
The accident at work procedure sets out the steps to follow. This procedure applies when an employee suffers an injury during work-related duties. The accident procedure at work protects your health and preserves evidence. It also helps investigate the incident properly.
Following the correct procedure does not mean you are making a claim. It ensures there is an accurate record of what happened. This can be important if your injury worsens or if you later need legal advice.
The accident at work procedure: A step-by-step guide
Taking the right steps early helps protect your health and support any future legal claim.
Immediate steps to protect your rights
Seek medical attention
Seek medical attention from A&E or your GP promptly. This creates an official medical record of your injury.
Report the accident
As part of the accident reporting procedure at work, inform your supervisor or manager immediately. If you cannot do this, ask a colleague to report it. Many people are unsure how long to report an accident at work, but you should report it as soon as possible.
Ensure it is recorded
Employers must record the incident in the workplace accident book. You should not sign an inaccurate entry.
Identify witnesses
Record the names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the incident or the conditions leading to it.
Collect visual evidence
Take photos of the scene, faulty equipment, or hazards before any removal, where possible.
Recording the accident properly
A proper record can be critical if questions arise later. In the UK, the accident at work procedure requires employers to keep accurate records. This helps protect your position if questions arise later.
Key steps include:
- Check the accident book entry for accuracy
- Keep a copy or take a photo if possible
- Record any immediate symptoms
In serious cases, employers must report an accident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR
Gathering evidence after a workplace accident
Evidence can disappear quickly, so it is important to act without delay.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Photos of the hazard or accident scene
- CCTV footage, which should be requested and preserved as soon as possible
- Witness names and contact details
- Training records and risk assessments
- Medical notes and fit notes
Strong evidence can play an important role when assessing compensation in workplace accident claims in the UK.
Common injuries that follow an accident at work
Workplace accidents can cause a range of injuries, depending on the environment and the tasks involved.
Slips, trips, and falls
Wet floors, trailing cables, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting can lead to fractures, sprains, or head injuries.
Manual handling injuries
Lifting, carrying, or repetitive tasks often result in back, shoulder, and neck injuries.
Machinery and equipment injuries
Poorly maintained or unguarded machinery can cause crush injuries, amputations, or serious cuts.
Falls from height
Incidents involving ladders, scaffolding, or roof work are among the most serious workplace accidents.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
Repetitive movements or poor workstation setup can lead to long-term pain and disability.
Psychological injuries
Stress, anxiety, or trauma linked to a workplace incident qualify as valid injuries.
What your employer should do after an accident
Employers have clear legal responsibilities following a workplace accident. These responsibilities form part of the accident procedures at work and are essential for maintaining a safe working environment.
Employers must:
- Investigate how the accident occurred
- Take steps to prevent similar incidents
- Provide appropriate support for injured employees
- Report serious incidents where required by law
Failing to follow these procedures can raise concerns about workplace safety management.
Your right to submit a claim
If your employer failed to take reasonable safety steps, you may be entitled to compensation. This applies where negligence caused your injury.
This can apply where injuries are linked to:
- Lack of training or supervision
- Unsafe systems of work
- Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
- Missing or unsuitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ignored or inadequate risk assessments
Compensation for your injury may cover pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical treatment, travel expenses, and care needs.
If you’re unsure about your claim’s value, you can use a Claim Value Estimator to get a general idea. Additionally, a Claim Checker can help you understand whether you are eligible to make a claim.
Do you still have a claim if the accident was partly your fault?
In many cases, a claim is still possible.
UK law recognises shared responsibility. This means courts may reduce compensation to reflect each party’s role, rather than refuse it altogether. Being partly at fault does not automatically prevent a claim for compensation.
Can an employer dismiss you after an accident at work?
An employer will not usually justify dismissal if the employee suffers an injury. The same applies if the employee has followed the accident at work procedure.
Decisions must be fair and based on valid reasons. Dismissal may be justified only in limited situations, including:
- Genuine redundancy unrelated to the injury
- Serious misconduct
- Capability issues after long-term absence, following a fair process
During periods of absence, entitlement to pay depends on the terms of the employment contract. This may include statutory sick pay or contractual sick pay.
Signs of unfair treatment include:
- Pressure not to report the accident
- Blame before any investigation
- Reduced shifts or pay
- Hostile behaviour or isolation
- Action taken against you because of your injury
A pattern of behaviour often carries more weight than a single incident.
Time limits you should know about
You must start most personal injury claims within three years of the accident date. In some cases, the time limit runs from the date you became aware that your injury was work-related.
Employment-related claims can have much shorter deadlines. You should seek advice early if you suspect unfair treatment.
Speak to Claim Time Solicitors
Claim Time Solicitors support people injured at work. The team provides clear and confidential guidance on the accident at work procedure.
You may be able to pursue a claim on a No Win No Fee basis, with no upfront costs and no obligation to proceed.
Call 0800 970 2727 to speak to Claim Time Solicitors and understand your options.
FAQs
What is the correct accident at work procedure?
The correct accident at work procedure involves key steps. First, seek medical help, then report the incident to your employer. Finally, ensure that your employer records the incident in the workplace accident book. For serious injuries, employers must report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR.
Do I have to report an accident at work even if the injury seems minor?
Yes. You should report and record even minor injuries. Symptoms can worsen over time. An official record protects you if you later need medical treatment, time off work, or legal advice.
Can your employer discipline or dismiss you for following the accident at work procedure?
Employers should not discipline or dismiss you simply for reporting an accident or injury at work. They must follow fair procedures, and reporting an accident helps protect workplace safety.
What if my employer refuses to record my workplace accident?
If your employer refuses to record the accident, keep your own evidence. This can include photos, messages, witness details, and medical notes. You can also raise the issue formally or seek confidential legal advice to understand your rights and next steps.