Practices for Reporting Workplace Injuries
As a matter of public policy the safety and health of workers is recognized as to be of paramount importance by the UK government in a way that it has been reinforced by European Law.
You may have the opportunity of winning payment from your employers if you're unlucky enough to have an accident at work. There are 4 other ways by which your employers might be legally responsible.
Common Law Negligence by your Employer An employee is under an obligation to make sure that the place of work is generally safe and free from any risk of injury or harm. For example, you need to be supplied with proper safety equipment. If this duty is breached and the accident causes the harm/injury suffered your company could be seen to be negligent and therefore legally responsible for your injuries and a claim for compensation can be made.
Laws relating to Health & Safety There are many regulations that are in place which protect the health and safety of employees in locations. For example, an adequate risk assessment must be carried out by an employer before any employee carrying out the duty. If these laws aren't followed then your employer is likely to be held responsible for your accident at work and be liable to cover your compensation.
Manual Handling Regulations There are statutory tips in place under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 where handbook handling takes place, if these aren't followed then your employer aiming the businesses requirements may be liable for the accident.
Occupiers Liability An employer can still be legally responsible in circumstances where their areas are left in a dangerous state and an injury occurs as a result. For example, if there is a spillage on to the floor making you slip and injure yourself your employer might still be liable.
A STEP TO STEP GUIDE TO ANY OR ALL THE STEPS YOU SHOULD TRY CLAIM SETTLEMENT FOR A DAMAGE IN THE WORKPLACE
If you have had an injury following an accident at work you must instantly follow these steps:
* Report the accident for your supervisor/manager. Your supervisor/manager must create a note of any possible witnesses to the accident and take a explanation of the accident from you. A brief report is likely to be signed and compiled aiming your version of events. Any witnesses will be necessary to complete a signed statement.
* Report your injury to the first aid adviser at your workplace. Every workplace has a experienced individual or individuals in First Aid who make themselves straight away available in case of an accident. Usually they will provide the appropriate Medical treatment and should record a quick record of your injuries and a description of the accident circumstances.
* Make sure your accident is correctly recorded in the Accident Report Book. An Accident Report Book must be held by your employer. This includes a detailed account/description of accidents that have happened in the workplace. Ensure an entry created in the Accident Report Book is read and is vigilantly documented and comprehended on your own before you sign it.
Report the accident for the Shop Steward who'll then also create a record of one's accident, * If you're an associate of a trade union.
* Seek medical attention from either your workplace surgery or look at the hospital/GP making certain you explain signs and all your injuries to the medical practitioner irrespective of how trivial they are.
* Complete a workplace survey if possible. This is another way of properly recording the accident circumstances and assists the employer in removing the risk to other employees.
* Assist your supervisor in investigating the accident - the more accurate the report the more chance of success there is with all the compensation claim.
* Keep an accurate history of any absences from work and ensure you advise your companies of any shortage due to your workplace accident. Companies are required by law to report an accident in the workplace towards the Health and Safety Executive when you have been off sick from work for three or more days.
* Keep a log or log of all your physical symptoms including any mental symptoms including sleep disturbance and distress.
* Keep accurate documentation and statements of all expenses that you have incurred as a result of the accident including missing income, prescription charges, traveling expenses. These charges can develop part of your financial loss claim caused by the workplace accident.
More details is available here.
* You've 36 months from the date of the accident to make a claim for compensation.
* These are essential steps to follow to guide a claim for compensation arising from an accident at work. Your company will understand that it's your to claim. It's your companies insurance that can pay for your compensation claim. Nevertheless, often your employers might disagree on the cause of the accident thus, it's important that you are aware of what records you can count on to demonstrate your compensation claim.
Contact one of our specialist injury lawyers for professional advice on successfully pursuing a payment claim following an reporting an accident to insurance.
