Injury at Work - Your Rights Explained

Injury at Work Law

Employers have a duty of care to keep their employees safe, so under the law, they must:

• Carry out a full risk assessment of the workplace
• Address any health and safety risks that have been identified
• Create a health and safety policy and make sure all employees are familiar with it
• Provide adequate training to all members of staff
• Provide a safe working environment, free of dangers such as slip and trip hazards
• Provide safety equipment where necessary
• Introduce a safe system of work
• Make sure equipment and machinery is in a good state of repair

If an employer didn’t take reasonable steps to keep you safe at work, they could be deemed to have breached their duty of care.

What to Do after You’re Injured at Work

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work, there are several important steps to take.

• Get medical attention straight away. Even if your employer has an on-site first aid officer, you should still go to your local A&E or GP
• Write down the details of the incident and your injury in your employer’s accident book. Make sure that what’s been recorded accurately states what has happened
• Check your sick pay. Even if you aren’t entitled to full pay while you’re recovering, you will at least be able to receive Statutory Sick Pay
• If you’re planning to return to work but still have some lasting symptoms or injuries, speak with your employer about doing light duties when you go back, or perhaps working reduced hours