The accident at work procedure is what many people search for after an ordinary day at work turns into something else entirely. A sudden injury, a rush of pain, and then the real worry kicks in: What happens now, and will speaking up cost you your job?
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an estimated 680,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury at work in 2024/25, based on data collected through its Labour Force Survey. In contrast, employers recorded only 59,219 employee injuries through the official RIDDOR reporting system during the same period, showing that many workplace accidents never progress through the full reporting procedure.
The difference is even clearer when injury rates are compared. HSE figures show that employers reported non-fatal injuries at a rate of 209 per 100,000 employees under RIDDOR in 2024/25. Meanwhile, HSE survey data indicates a much higher injury rate of around 2,070 per 100,000 workers, highlighting that a significant proportion of workplace injuries are never formally reported or recorded. As a result, many injured workers are left without clear guidance on their rights or next steps.
This guide explains the accident-at-work procedure step by step, how to report and record an incident properly, what your employer should do next, and how to claim compensation if negligence was involved. It also explains your legal rights and how Claim Time Solicitors can support you through the process on a No Win, No Fee basis.
What is the accident at work procedure?
The accident at work procedure refers to the steps that should be followed after an employee is injured while carrying out work-related duties. These steps exist to protect your health, preserve evidence, and ensure the incident is properly investigated.
Following the correct accident at work procedure does not mean you are “making a claim”. It simply ensures there is an accurate record of what happened, which can be crucial if your injury worsens or you later need legal advice.
The accident at work procedure: A step-by-step guide
Taking the right steps early is the best way to protect your health and any future legal claim.
Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights:
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Visit A&E or your GP. This creates an official medical record of your injury.
Formal Reporting: Inform your supervisor or manager immediately. If you are incapacitated, ask a trusted colleague to report it for you.
The Accident Book: Ensure the incident is logged in the workplace accident book. Do not sign it if the description is inaccurate.
Identify Witnesses: Note the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident or the conditions leading up to it.
Visual Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, the faulty equipment, or the hazard before it is cleared away.
Recording the accident properly
A proper record can be critical if questions arise later.
You should:
- Check the accident book entry for accuracy
- Keep a copy or photo if possible
- Note any immediate symptoms
If the accident is serious, your employer may also have a legal duty to report it to the HSE under RIDDOR.
Gathering evidence after a workplace accident
Evidence often disappears quickly, so act early if you can.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Photos of the hazard or accident scene
- CCTV footage (ask for it to be preserved quickly)
- Witness names and contact details
- Training records and risk assessments
- Medical notes and fit notes
Even if you’re unsure about making a claim, evidence supports your position if you need advice later.
Common injuries that follow an accident at work
People searching for the accident at work procedure are often dealing with injuries such as:
Slips, trips, and falls:
Wet floors, trailing cables, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting can lead to fractures, sprains, or head injuries.
Manual handling injuries:
Back, shoulder, and neck injuries caused by lifting, carrying, or repetitive tasks are extremely common.
Machinery and equipment injuries:
Poorly maintained or unguarded machinery can cause crush injuries, amputations, or serious cuts.
Falls from height:
Accidents involving ladders, scaffolding, or roof work remain among the most serious workplace incidents.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI):
Long-term strain from repetitive movements or poor workstation setup can lead to chronic pain and disability.
Psychological injuries:
Stress, anxiety, or trauma following a workplace accident or unsafe environment can also be valid injuries.
What your employer should do after an accident
Employers have clear legal responsibilities following a workplace accident.
They should:
- Investigate how the accident happened
- Take steps to prevent it happening again
- Provide support for injured employees
- Report serious incidents where legally required
Failing to follow the correct accident at work procedure can raise concerns about safety management.
Your right to submit a claim
If your injury happened because reasonable safety steps were not taken, you may have the right to claim compensation.
This applies where injuries are linked to:
- Lack of training or supervision
- Unsafe systems of work
- Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
- Missing or unsuitable PPE
- Ignored risk assessments
Compensation can cover pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical treatment, travel costs, and care needs. Claims are usually paid through employers’ liability insurance, not by your employer personally.
Do you still have a claim if the accident was partly your fault?
Yes, in many cases.
UK law allows for contributory negligence, meaning compensation may be reduced to reflect shared responsibility rather than refused altogether. Being partly at fault does not automatically prevent a claim.
Can you be fired for getting injured at work?
In most cases, no. You should not be dismissed simply because you were injured or because you followed the accident at work procedure.
Employers must act fairly and lawfully. Dismissal may only be justified in limited situations, such as:
- Genuine redundancy unrelated to the injury
- Serious misconduct
- Capability issues after long-term absence, following a fair process
If your injury leads to threats, reduced hours, or dismissal, that may be a warning sign.
Signs of unfair treatment after a workplace accident
Unfair treatment can start subtly.
Watch for:
- Pressure not to report the accident
- Blame before any investigation
- Sudden reduction in shifts or pay
- Hostile behaviour or isolation
- Disciplinary action linked to your injury
A pattern of behaviour is often more telling than a single incident.
Time limits you should know about
Most personal injury claims must be started within three years of the accident date, or from when you became aware your injury was work-related.
Employment-related claims can have much shorter deadlines, so it’s important to seek advice early if you suspect unfair treatment.
Speak to Claim Time Solicitors
If you’ve been injured at work and want clear, confidential guidance on the accident at work procedure, Claim Time Solicitors can help. 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 getting medical help first, reporting the incident to your employer as soon as possible, and ensuring it is recorded in the workplace accident book or reporting system. For serious injuries, the employer may also need to 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. Even minor injuries should be reported and recorded. Symptoms can worsen over time, and having an official record protects you if you later need medical treatment, time off work, or legal advice.
Can I be disciplined or fired for following the accident at work procedure?
In most cases, no. You should not be disciplined or dismissed simply for reporting an accident or injury at work. Employers are legally required to follow fair procedures, and reporting an accident is part of protecting workplace safety.
What if my employer refuses to record my workplace accident?
If your employer refuses to record the accident, keep your own evidence, such as 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.