Who Has Responsibility For Recording Injuries At Work And What Injuries Should Be Recorded?

By Danielle Fletcher. Last Updated 7th May 2024. No matter what type of accident at work you suffer injuries in, it’s vital that someone records it. Whether you’re intending on making an injury claim against your employer if you hurt yourself at work, a workplace accident report is often a legal requirement. But who has the responsibility for recording injuries at work, what are those responsibilities and does an accident report log affect your ability to make a personal injury claim?

Within this guide, we’ll answer commonly asked questions such as who is responsible for making accident reports at work. We will also look at how an accident report could help you make a claim for compensation against your employer if their negligence causes you to be harmed in a work accident.

At UK Law, we’re here to offer expert guidance and advice to those who’ve suffered a personal injury that wasn’t their fault.

As well as giving you a wealth of useful information in this guide, we could also help you start your claim. Our advisors could answer any questions you have about your specific case.

If we believe you could have a strong case, our panel of lawyers could help you with your claim on a No Win No Fee basis. Why not contact us to find out more? You can reach the team on:

  • Telephone: 020 3870 4868
  • Claim online: Fill out your query using our online form.
  • Live chat: Speak with an advisor using the live chat function below.

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Who Has Responsibility For Recording Injuries At Work?

Reporting injuries at work is important, and all workplaces with ten or more employees must have an accident book. 

In addition to supporting a workplace injury claim, the accident log book can allow your employer to identify injury patterns for better management of work-related risks. 

Employers owe their employees a duty of care. This duty of care is set under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA), and states that they must take all reasonably practicable steps to keep employees safe while working. If they fail to comply with the relevant health and safety legislation and you suffer an injury as a result, you could be eligible to claim compensation. 

Furthermore, certain incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). It is your employer’s responsibility to ensure that reporting under RIDDOR is carried out.

Speak to a member of our advisory team to find out if you are eligible to claim.

What Is A Reportable Accident Under RIDDOR?

There are many different types of accidents that could happen at work. Some accidents, illnesses, diseases and incidents are reportable under The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, also known as RIDDOR.

RIDDOR is the legislation that requires people who control work premises and employers to keep records of certain reportable incidents. For instance:

  • Incidents that could cause harm to people (dangerous occurrences)
  • Specified diagnosed occupational diseases
  • Accidents related to work that cause specified injuries
  • Work-related accident deaths
  • Gas incidents

If you’re wondering how to report injuries in the workplace, you could speak with your employer. Alternatively, contact our team on the number above.

Why Is It Important To Report An Accident At Work?

Now that you know more about who records injuries at work, let’s talk about why it’s important to report your injuries, and for employers, why is it important to review the accident book.

Logging your accident in the accident book is important for a number of reasons. First, it can be used as evidence if you decide to pursue compensation. This is because it creates a timely, permanent record of what happened and when.

But it can also help your colleagues in the future. Your employer should review the accident book regularly to make sure that all hazards have been mitigated where possible, and to help prevent more injuries in the future.

Finally, in terms of reporting an accident at work under RIDDOR, there can be serious consequences if your employer fails to record a reportable incident. These consequences can vary depending on the severity of the incident but can include an unlimited fine on the business, or even prison time.

Keep reading to learn more about the importance of reporting an injury at work, or get in touch with our team today to find out if you could be eligible to make a claim.

Other Forms Of Evidence Besides The Workplace Accident Book

You may have questions, such as ‘why is it important to review the accident book?’ after suffering injuries in a workplace accident. It is essential that the correct details are recorded. In addition to potentially preventing future injuries, the logbook can be submitted as evidence should you wish to make a personal injury claim. However, you are likely to require other proof.

Other evidence that could be useful beyond the workplace accident book includes:

  • Your medical records. These could have the date you sought treatment for your injuries. In addition, you might be asked to attend an independent medical exam to help assess the prognosis and what impact your injuries will have on your life.
  • Visual footage of the accident. For example, you can request CCTV footage of yourself.
  • If your injury is visible, such as lacerations or swelling, you can submit pictures to support your personal injury claim. Additionally, you can submit photographs of the accident scene if you have any.
  • If anyone witnessed the accident that caused your injuries, you can make a note of their contact details so they can give a statement.

Call our advisors for free legal advice following workplace injuries, even if the incident was not recorded in the accident at work book.

Claim For Injuries At Work On A No Win No Fee Basis

If you meet the eligibility criteria to pursue an accident at work claim, you may like to have legal representation. If you do, one of the personal injury solicitors from our panel could help with your claim. Our panel of solicitors typically work under the terms of a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which is a type of No Win No Fee agreement. 

When your solicitor works under a CFA, they won’t ask for you to pay upfront for their services or charge fees as the case is ongoing. Furthermore, they won’t charge you for their work on your case following an unsuccessful personal injury claim. 

However, if your case succeeds, your solicitor will deduct a small success fee from your compensation. The percentage that can be taken is capped by law. 

Our advisory team is here to help with free advice and can provide you with a free claim evaluation. In addition, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you could be connected to one of the No Win No Fee solicitors from our panel. 

To discuss reporting injuries at work:

  • Call 020 3870 4868
  • Fill in our ‘contact us’ form and a team member will call you back.
  • Connect using our live chat. 

Other Information Relating To Who Records Injuries At Work

We hope this guide, which answers questions such as who has the overall responsibility for recording injuries at work, has been useful for you.