What should you do if an accident or sudden illness occurs at work? From the perspective of both employer and employee, swift and appropriate actions can ensure the situation doesn't deteriorate and is vital for the well-being of everybody involved.
Failure to deal with an accident can lead to legal consequences like work compensation claims, financial penalties, and regulatory sanctions such as fines. Employees can experience a negative impact on their health and well-being. In this article we're going to list exactly what to do if an accident or sudden illness occurs in the workplace.
In the event of a workplace accident, the first step should be to provide first aid at the scene of the accident. Moving or locating the person needing first aid away from any danger can prevent further injury during treatment. It is the responsibility of both employer and employee to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, with the employee following the first aid arrangements put in place by the employer.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 stipulate employers are responsible for ensuring employees receive immediate attention if they are taken ill or injured at work, including appropriate first aid arrangements.
Basic first aid knowledge is essential to mitigate the severity of personal injuries in workplace accidents, prevent potential fatalities and disabilities, enhance workplace safety, and address the “ripple effects” of workplace injuries, such as lasting physical and psychological effects that may impact more than just the individuals involved.
When promptly contacting emergency services after a workplace accident or illness, it is vital to seek medical attention if the injury is serious. Employers must be informed of the accident or illness as soon as possible, as they are responsible for ensuring necessary actions are taken to address the situation.
Scenarios that warrant emergencies in the workplace can include serious injuries, poisoning, electrician fires, the release of hazardous substances, and incidents involving the public or the coordination of emergency services. In these incidents, calling 999 is a priority.
It’s essential to provide the:
This is to ensure the appropriate level of assistance is delivered in a timely manner.
Effective communication with the supervisor after an accident is crucial for an employee to demonstrate the commitment to addressing any underlying hazards and accident investigations. When conveying information to a supervisor, it's important to be timely, allowing for immediate action to be taken, and communicate the details surrounding the accident and specific information, like the nature of the incident and if there are any specific hazards present at the scene.
Providing clear and accurate information is essential to understand the root causes and prevent future accidents. Whether an employee receives information about an accident or an illness, they are responsible for reporting the accident within an accident book or accident recording system and conducting investigations such as recording the details of the injury and how the incident occurred.
In addition to the legal duties to report accidents and incidents to the relevant authorities, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers are also responsible for taking preventative measures such as conducting regular risk assessments, providing appropriate health and safety training, and ensuring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary to protect the health and safety of the employees.
Accurate record-keeping is essential after a workplace accident. When documenting an incident, the person completing the information in the accident book will need to describe the working conditions at the time of the accident, what actions were taken to help the injured party following the accident, and any other supplementary evidence such as photographs or CCTV footage from the scene.
Additionally, witness information if applicable, environmental factors, and report any serious work-related incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if they are reportable under RIDDOR.
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) outlines the legal obligations for reporting workplace accidents, with the key requirements including reportable incidents where employers are required to report and keep records of work-related accidents that result in serious injuries, diagnosed cases of certain diseases, and certain dangerous occurrences.
Specific reportable injuriesinclude fractures (except to the fingers, thumbs, and toes), amputations, loss of sight, crush injuries to the head or torso, and serious burns. Deaths of non-workers (with the exception of suicides) resulting from work-related accidents must also be reported.
Accidents resulting in an employee being away from work or unable to perform their normal work duties for more than seven consecutive days must be reported, not including the day of the accident but including weekends and rest days.
Additionally, there are special requirements for reporting gas incidents. Employers with more than 10 employees must keep an accident book containing all details of an incident that would be reported to RIDDOR. Failure to comply can lead to prosecution by the HSE, a potential custodial prison sentence for up to two years, and a fine of up to £20,000 and potentially an unlimited fine if convicted on indictment in the Crown Court.
Seeking medical attention after a workplace accident is paramount. It can ensure the party receives the appropriate care and can help in proving causation in personal injury claims or potential medical negligence. It can also help identify and address delayed injury manifestations promptly.
After a workplace accident, there are several options available. Initially first aid at work or a potential visit to a GP or local hospital. As employers are legally required to have a designated first aider at work, this can provide initial and critical medical assistance. For example, through the company's designated medical facility if there is one.
The HR (human resources) department plays a vital role in managing workplace incidents as they can promote workplace safety and well-being, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, supporting all stages of the emergency incident life cycle, including preparedness and response.
HR departments also have a critical role to play in health and safety as they track risk, coordinate risk-tracking efforts, and address any compliance issues. When reporting incidents or accidents in the workplace to HR, the necessary information requires details of the incident, injury details, the affected person's information, a record of the reporter's information, and any photographic evidence if it is safe to do so.
After a workplace accident or illness, several steps are crucial, including follow-up meetings, rehabilitation, and a safe return to work. The injured party should follow up with necessary medical care and treatment to support their recovery while also cooperating with any investigations conducted by the employer or relevant authorities if necessary.
Employers should inform staff about the rehabilitation process and return-to-work programs available. This can include modified working arrangements and other accommodations that may be necessary.
The organisation should be committed to the well-being and recovery of employees, which is legally reflected in the need to provide immediate medical attention, and report incidents. The company should also ensure that staff are informed about the rehabilitation and return-to-work processes available.
Once the situation is stabilised, report the accident to your supervisor or manager as soon as possible. They will need to record the incident in the workplace accident book or accident reporting system. Accurate and timely reporting is crucial to ensure further investigation and compliance with legal requirements.
Employees: You must notify your supervisor or HR department as soon as an accident or sudden illness occurs. Provide detailed information about what happened, the time and place, and any hazards that contributed to the incident.
Employers: Employers are legally required to report serious workplace incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013). This includes fatalities, specified serious injuries, and accidents causing more than seven days off work.
Failure to report incidents properly can lead to fines, legal penalties, and further risks to workplace safety. Always ensure you follow the organisation's accident reporting procedure to remain compliant.
If there is an accident in the workplace, conducting a swift first aid response, contacting emergency services, notifying the supervisor, and documenting the incidents while also reporting the incident to HR and having a robust follow-up and recovery process are critical.
It's vital for workplaces to be prepared for accidents and ensure both employer and employee take proactive measures to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Failure to do this can result in negative consequences if the correct procedures are not followed.
This can include financial, regulatory, and legal impacts for the employer. Not to mention negative health consequences for the employee.
At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need advice on reporting an incident or pursuing a claim, our team can provide the expertise and support you need to secure the best outcome.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us help you move forward. Your safety and well-being are our priority.
