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If you work in a potentially dangerous industry, it’s vital to understand ways to stay safe at work. And this doesn’t just relate to physical injuries, but also to your mental health.
In this guide, we take a look at workplace safety, accidents at work, and your legal rights. We also explore your right to claim compensation for an injury and to report the accident to your employer.
Let’s dive in.
Understanding Your Legal Rights At Work
If you suffer an injury while at work, you have the legal right to make an accident at work claim. Per UK law, you also have access to a set of rights that relate to workplace safety. Familiarising yourself with these rights will help you to feel prepared in any situation.
Immediately after an accident, your rights include being able to seek out medical help and recording the details of your accident in a designated accident book. Plus, you have the right to make your workplace aware of continuing safety issues and to join a trade union following the accident.
If you require a period of recovery following an accident, you’ll likely be entitled to sick pay, Statutory Sick Pay as a minimum. Finally, you are additionally protected by the law if you need to request reasonable adjustments on your return to work.
What Can You Do To Stay Safe At Work?
One of the easiest ways to stay accident-free at work is to be aware of all health and safety procedures your company has in place. This can be for anything from sorting stock to lifting heavy loads.
It’s also a good idea to take advantage of any health and safety training your workplace offers, whether it’s online or in-person. This allows you to keep on top of any changes to policy and feel more confident about what to do if an accident happens.
Another way to stay safe is to ask your colleagues for assistance. By sharing a task with others, you could prevent injury. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to your manager or supervisor if you have concerns about a potential safety issue.
Make it clear how you feel a task or problem could cause accidents. You might want to share any suggestions you have on how to make a task or particular area safer – letting someone know about safety concerns is a legal right. Staying vigilant about health and safety is always the right thing to do, though ensure you present your concerns politely to avoid discord within the workplace.
If you feel your concerns are not being taken seriously, you can make a report to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
How Can I Protect My Mental Health At Work?
Your mental health is equal to your physical health, and neglecting it could lead to an accident. To keep your mental health intact, the first thing to do is to be aware of your work limits. Even if you feel pressured to take on more work, say no if you feel it would compromise your workplace safety.
This is especially important during times when you feel particularly drained, as you may overlook things that could leave you open to injury. If taking on extra work is absolutely necessary, ask a colleague for assistance to take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Talking to a trusted higher-up like a manager is another great way to protect your mental health. Sharing how you feel can be scary, but sometimes just discussing your concerns can help to alleviate them. A manager may be able to put extra support measures in place for you, too.
What Should I Do If I Get Injured At Work?
If you do suffer an injury while at work, here are some important pieces of advice on what to do.
Get Medical Help
The very first thing you should do if you get injured while working is to get medical help. Now is not the time to worry about any waiting customers or jobs that need to be completed – you should seek out medical attention as soon as possible.
This applies even if you feel the injury is minor. Something that may seem small, like a bump to the head, can quickly develop into something more serious. Your workplace will likely have specific health and safety protocols in place that a manager or supervisor can talk you through.
Inform Your Manager Or Supervisor
Speaking of managers and supervisors, it’s important to let a higher-up know that an accident has occurred. Ensure that you or your manager document the incident in your workplace’s health and safety book – this is one of your legal rights. Ask a colleague to help you if necessary.
Take photos of the item that injured you (if applicable), the surrounding areas, and of your injury. You should also write down details like the time of the incident, who you were with, and how the incident happened.
Additionally, note down the actions you took after the accident, such as seeking out medical attention or leaving the premises. The above information will be extremely valuable if you do decide to pursue a claim against your workplace.
Get Legal Help
If you’re unsure of whether you can claim compensation for an accident at work, reach out to a legal team. If you’re part of a trade union, get in contact. Some offer free legal advice and assistance. If your workplace doesn’t have a union or you aren’t part of one, carry out research on the best personal injury law firm for you.
Keep in mind that you do not need to accept responsibility for the accident, even if you feel pressured to do so. If you are asked to admit responsibility, document this and then bring it up to your legal representative.
It’s key to note that there is a time limit for claiming for work-related accidents. As outlined by the Limitation Act 1980, this is either three years after the accident took place or three years from when you began to suffer negative health consequences from the accident. However, all cases will vary.
In Summary
By knowing your legal rights regarding workplace safety, you’ll feel more at ease about what to do if an accident occurs. It’s also extremely helpful to know the next steps to take if you have recently suffered an injury in an accident at work.
Whatever the severity of your injury, never hesitate to keep a record of everything you think could be useful. Documenting will both protect you and be incredibly useful if you decide to pursue a claim.
Knowing your rights and ensuring your workplace respects them can feel stressful. However, being aware of what you’re entitled to during a difficult time will allow you to move forward with closure and potential compensation.
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