Accident Book Reports – What To Do If Your Employer Won’t Record Your Injury At Work

221 questions have been answered on this subject, why not ask your own?

When someone is injured in an accident at work, employers have certain responsibilities that they are obliged to follow.  One of these requirements is to ensure that details of any incident, no matter how minor, are recorded within an accident book or accident recording system. In cases of serious injuries, the employer also has a responsibility to report the accident via RIDDOR to the Health and Safety Executive. All accidents at work must be reported to RIDDOR where the injured employee is caused to be away from work, or left unable to work as normal, for seven consecutive days or more because of the injuries that they have sustained. The report must be made within 15 days of the accident.

The vast majority of employers care about their staff and site visitors. Good employers take health and safety regulations seriously, don’t try to get in the way of people being treated fairly and provide a safe working environment to their staff. They will carry out regular safety training for their staff, and one of the things that they should do is make sure that all staff understand how to record the details of any accidents within the employers accident book.

Employers that avoid accident book reporting

Unfortunately, there remains some less impressive employers out there who treat staff as a disposable asset and fail to uphold their duty of care towards health and safety at work. Remember, employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that all workers have a safe and secure working environment where the risks of injury are avoided as much as possible.

Bad employers will avoid safety training, cut corners with regards to providing the right tools, expect workers to use dangerous machinery that is not maintained, and unsurprisingly don’t provide accident books. In the worst cases, really bad employers will even refuse to acknowledge that any accidents have happened in their workplace. If this has happened to you, we suggest that you contact us immediately. In these circumstances you need expert advice and support. You can still succeed with a claim against such an employer, but it will be important to move quickly to ensure that the strength of any claim you may wish to make is not unduly affected.

What to do if you can’t use the accident book

At Direct2Compensation we can help you to understand your rights after an injury at work and how to make sure you have done everything possible to provide the evidence to support your claim. If your employer won’t let you see or use the accident book, you can take the following actions to help you claim compensation:

  • Get witnesses: You can ask colleagues and co-workers if they would be willing to act as witnesses. Whilst this is obviously a difficult thing for them to do, we’ve found that many people who are sick of the employer neglecting their safety at work are more than willing to help.
  • Take photographs: You can take photographs of hazards at work, such as faulty machinery or inadequate work practices.
  • Send a recorded delivery letter: Another good thing to do is to send a letter to the registered office of the workplace listing what happened to you, the date, the cause and the injuries. Send this letter by recorded, signed for mail and retain a copy of the letter and your receipt and proof of postage.
  • Find a specialist solicitor: You can then provide all this to your solicitor to help them succeed with your claim for personal injury compensation.

It is important that an injured employee is aware of what they should do next after a work-related injury. Some things will be obvious, such as getting medical treatment, but many people don’t know their rights after an accident at work, or what they should do to make sure that the incident is properly recorded and that the right people have been informed.

It is never unethical to pursue a genuine claim for personal injury compensation, especially when you are dealing with bad employers who fail to act ethically and responsibly. Health and safety is vital in the workplace and by making a claim after an accident at work, you could be helping to make sure that the employers change their ways and that colleagues don’t suffer the same fate.

221 questions have been answered on this subject, why not ask your own?

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    Questions

    Read on for questions and advice about claiming...

    I was working in a kitchen and it was within my first few weeks of working with an employer where i slipped onto my back, they stated that they would fill in the accident book for me however i am not sure of this. I am not sure how much evidence there is to back my claim if i was to file a claim against them. At the time i didn’t think much of it and i am with a different employer now, i find my back getting worse every week since the day it happened with the littlest of tasks. What can/should i do?

    Ian Morris

    Of course, for any claim to succeed, there is a need for evidence to substantiate the claimants position. Hopefully the employer did record the details of the incident in their accident book. However, if not, it would help if you have any other proof of the incident that you can point to – this could be an email or text message exchange with the employer or a supervisory member of staff. Also, if you attended your GP to discuss the injury, saying that you slipped on to your back at work, if your GP has noted the cause of your injury on your medical records (which they often do), that would point to an accident at work and this would certainly be helpful evidence.

    Reply

    I am now suffering from bad tennis elbow, my employer won’t record this as I don’t know when it happened it took few weeks to appear and several months have elapsed and it’s no better.

    Ian Morris

    An injury or condition such as ‘tennis elbow’ will not be sustained in an one-off incident and it is therefore entirely accurate that you would have slowly noticed the condition developing. If your employment requires that you undertake repetitive movements, repeated lifting or even fine skills such as typing or manufacturing, a condition such as tennis elbow, which is often caused through repetitive movements can be sustained. Our Solicitors can certainly consider a claim for you.

    If you believe that you have tennis elbow as a result of your work, you should write to your employers regarding the condition and ask that they record it as a workplace injury.

    If you would like to discuss a potential claim for personal injury compensation, please call us on 01225430285 or use our website to submit a claim form.

    Reply

    Hi I’m a selector for a major retail store, I hurt my back picking at a rate of 240 cases for 11 hours ,we are contracted for 6 hours a day, but because of sickness and low staff we have to stay on , we pick off pallets and always have to pick at heights and low levels with heavy boxes and stand on pallets to get to the the back row , when I hurt my back I was onbthe office floor almost in tears, dep mangers told me go to AnE. My section leader then came in and told me get up off the floor ,can’t have you on the floor, that was it , not whats wrong or you OK, never asked me to fill out accident form(which normally do) went to AnE , physio sevral times and doctors, because i have numbness in legs im referred for mri, still waiting. When I ran to let them know what’s happening following day I asked to put in accident book manager said what for its repetative strain, from there on they have admitted failure to help and provide my request for gradual back to work and light duties, they have now (after a month) given me 4 hour hours a day phase to work but still picking on a asle… my back is still bad with the numbness symptoms coming and going, I’m now facing a capability meeting and possible sack… please can you help me . Thank you

    Ian Morris

    If your symptoms of injury have lasted for 4 weeks or more, you would be able to pursue a claim against your employer on the basis of their negligence. Not only were you overworked, it would appear that the working environment is unsafe for picking with you having to reach both low level and high level items.

    If you would like to discuss this matter with us and find out whether or not we can assist you formally, please call us on 01225430285 or request a call from us via our website.

    Reply

    Hi, I had an accident at work last week that involved me getting electrocuted by a faulty goods lift, it caused me to jump from a decent hight and twist my knee and also temporary shoulder weakness, I was taken to hospital and put on an ecg, luckily there was no lasting damage, but the physiological effect of this incident. Has played a detrimental effect on my mental health, when I returned from the hospital I was told that I need to start writing my own accident down in the accident book, there is also no signs to say do not mess with the lift and the door above the lift where the electric box is was open, I was told by my manager that they would pay me for the 4 hours I missed while I was in hospital as a gesture of good will, do I have a basis of a claim from the information provided?

    Ian Morris

    There are certainly grounds to seek to pursue this further. You mention lo lasting damage to your heart from the electric shock, but do you have any muscle pain from the shock along with the injuries to your knee and shoulder?

    We would be very keen to assist you further in this matter and can advise you of your rights after such an accident at work. Our Solicitors can assist you on a No Win No Fee basis and if you’d like further help, please either call us on 01225430285 or use the form on our website to start your claim.

    Reply

    Hi, do small independent travel companies legally need to keep an accident book to record all accidents, even minor ones?

    Ian Morris

    All employers should keep a record of any notable injury that may happen at work or within the workplace. Of course, a very minor thing like a paper cut doesn’t warrant recording, but pretty much anything more serious than that should be recorded in order that an employer can monitor accidents and seek to reduce the prospects of a repeat as well as retaining useful records in cases where evidence may need to be obtained.

    Reply

    Hi Team –
    I developed ‘ulnar nerve entrapment’ in 2019 and had corrective surgery around May of 2019 and off work for two weeks.
    In January of 2019 I requested to have the ulnar nerve condition to be put into the companies accident book via email to the QA & HSE Manager. I was refused verbally with the reason of ‘It’s not an accident’.
    I am aware of the 3 year timescale regarding making a claim for this case, but wonder if this might fall under the section 33 discretionary exclusion act considering the refusal to report the accident into the companies accident book.
    My thinking at the time was that if it wasn’t in the accident book I would not be able to make a claim.
    Thank you

    Ian Morris

    It is possible that a court may accept your argument under section 33 as you mention. However, for a Solicitor to be able to undertake this matter on a Conditional Fee Agreement (No Win No Fee) basis, they would need a court to have already agreed to waiving the limitation as without that waiver already being in place, there is a considerable risk that a Solicitor may end up with a case that cannot proceed, but having incurred costs for their initial work.

    Reply

    Hi, I was exposed to hazardous dust. This was recorded in a test that failed extraction equipment that was never serviced or maintained. This was 10/21. I was never told by my employer, it was never reported. I found this out last month when I was given a copy of the test report. I have asked my employer about this and have not had a responce or any support.
    I have also found evidence in emails of my employer being negligence. What do you suggest.
    Thanks

    Ian Morris

    Have you developed any symptoms of ill health as a result of the exposure to the hazardous dust? If so, we can help you to start a claim for personal injury compensation on a No Win No Fee basis (just contact us if so). However, if you are currently unaware of any health issues, it is not possible to pursue a claim. However, your rights to make a claim in the future – if any health issues that can be linked to the dust become apparent – remain and your 3 year claim period would start at the date at which you knew, or ought to have known that any such symptoms were related to the exposure to the harmful substance referenced.

    To protect your rights, you should ensure that you make a written record of the incident and ensure that the same is on file with your employer.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work in November and I was off work for three weeks. I asked about the accident book and I was told by them that they would fill it in.

    I have since checked and the accident book is empty! When I questioned this, I was told that the report had been sent off for a full investigation and for a report in to what happened, but I haven’t signed it?

    Ian Morris

    It is not mandatory for the injured party to sign an accident book entry, although having someone sign to state that they agree that the report made is accurate is sensible and helpful.

    In this case, it would seem that a record has been made and that the employer is taking steps to ensure that a full understanding of your accident and injury is made so that they can prevent a repeat of the same in the future.

    Reply

    My employer will not document the fact i injured myself whilst lifting the 58kg as instructed by supervision on a 1 man lift even though the boxes clearly state “Heavy 2 man lift required ” I am also not allowed to take a picture to support my accident given the fact i have been to hospital who have informed me i have torn a muscle in my shoulder.

    Ian Morris

    Have you started a claim for personal injury compensation? Your employer has clearly been negligent in instructing you to ignore safety notices and manual handling guidance regarding the weight of the item you were tasked with lifting and the lack of a 2nd person or lifting equipment. Our Solicitors would certainly like to get their teeth in to this matter and regardless of your employers stance on their refusal to allow you properly record the details of your accident at work, your claim has merit and should proceed.

    As your employer is not allowing you to document the correct details within their accident book system, you should make your own written report and send a copy to the employer via email. You can then outline what happened at the time, the weight of the item you were expected to move and who instructed you to do so. Our Solicitors can use your written report as evidence in support of your claim.

    Reply

    There is no accident report book at work.

    Ian Morris

    All employers should have a system of recording accidents in the workplace. Whether an injury is very minor or in the more serious cases, details of accidents in the workplace should be kept in a written log – whether that be a traditional hard copy accident book or an online system.

    As your employer does not have such a system, make sure that you make your own written report of the accident and send it to your employer – ideally via email. You should state what happened, when and where and list any injuries sustained. If the cause of the injuries can be attributed to employer negligence (lack of training, inadequate PPE, broken machinery or something else), you should note that.

    Reply

    A friend hurt their hand at work while offloading a trailer with an electric pump truck. This was not the employers fault and they carried on working for 3 days after the accident but then their hand was too painful to carry on. The problem is that they never wrote it in the accident book, but did report it to the person in charge of the office that day when they got back to the yard. After that, they had 2 weeks off work but have not received any payment. The employer believes the reason for being off work was sickness, but it was due to the accident at work. Please could you give advice on how they can get paid for this time off?

    Ian Morris

    Employers are not required to pay full salary to people who are off work through injury or illness – even if the injury or illness was caused at work through no fault of their own. In this case, whether or not the employer will pay sick pay is down to the contract of employment that they have with the employee.

    The only way to recover any loss of income therefore, is by succeeding with a claim for personal injury which would include the recovery of lost income in the special damages element of the claim.

    With this in mind, you’ve stated that the accident doesn’t appear to be the employers fault. We therefore need to consider who was liable for the incident. If the injured party caused their own injury through a mistake, they have no right to make a claim but if a faulty piece of machinery or a lack of adequate training can be identified as a cause, there is a right to then make a claim.

    Reply

    I was working as a refuse collector. Half way through the morning, I got a sharp and painful feeling in the top of my foot and up the shin. I reported this to my supervisor, but the supervisor will not write it in the accident book as there was no accident – but the injury started while at work?! Is the employer within their rights not to report and record the injury?

    Ian Morris

    The pain that you felt cannot be attributed directly to any incident at work and there has been no accident. Therefore, you are reporting pain and discomfort. This would be seen in the same way as a staff member reporting that they are feeling unwell or unable to complete their shift.

    If you are concerned, the sensible thing to do is to email the employers HR department to make your own record of the incident and seek their guidance.

    Reply

    My employer will not give me a copy of my accident report, can I get this from them?

    Ian Morris

    Frustratingly, employers are not obliged to provide workers with a copy of an accident report. However, most employers will release a copy if an employee requests the same in writing.

    Whether or not you can get a copy of an accident report, our Solicitors can still act for you in your claim.

    Reply

    6 weeks ago I stood on a manhole lid at work (a care home) and it dropped from under me. As it flipped, I unfortunately landed on it between my legs. I was badly bruised, unable to sit or walk comfortably. My right hand also suffered muscle/tendon trauma and my knees have suffered aswell due to how I fell and the pressure from the lid. I am still suffering from these injuries 6 weeks on and after having 4 weeks off.

    Since returning back to work, I have been asking all the managers including the General Manager and HR staff to write the details of the accident in the accident book, but no one knows where it is and it is believed there has not been one for a while! I am still awaiting an accident book to document my accident. What do I do?

    Ian Morris

    After an accident at work, you have a right to make a claim and our initial view is that you have a strong basis upon which to make a claim.

    We would like to help you to pursue a claim for personal injury compensation for the pain and discomfort caused to you and you’d also be able to recover any lost income if you have not been paid whilst you have been unable to work.

    In terms of reporting the details of the accident, the fact that your employer does not appear to have a known method of recording the details of any incidents, injuries or accidents in the workplace reflects very poorly on them. You should make your own written report of the incident and email it to your Line Manager and the HR department. Make sure you list the date and location of the incident with a clear description of any injuries sustained and name any witnesses who may have seen it happen, or who may have helped you afterwards. You should also make reference to the lack of an accident book and your attempts to have the incident reported.

    Reply

    I had an accident and suffered an injury at work, my employer has recorded the accident. I have reported the accident to my Doctor, attended Accident and Emergency as well as having seen occupational health.

    Ian Morris

    Please call us on 01225430285 or use the ‘start your claim‘ form on our website to provide further details about your accident at work and the injuries that you have sustained. We’ll explain your rights after an accident at work and have our Solicitors act for you to make a No Win No Fee claim against your employers insurance policy. You can claim compensation for the pain and discomfort caused to you as well as recovery of any loss of income or incurred expenses relating to the accident and your injuries.

    Reply

    I hurt my back…. just a sprain/strain…. diagnosed as non specific lower back injury.
    I had 1 day off work, then 18 days holiday…. which I was unfit during, but I didn’t get sick note as my employer doesn’t allow me to claim holidays back anyway.
    Should this have been reported to riddor, and do I have a claim?

    Ian Morris

    If you reported the injury as work related and the injury has prevented you from attending work for a period of time that warrants a RIDDOR report, the incident should be reported.

    Whether or not you have a claim will depend on how you came to injure your back and whether we can attribute the injury to employer negligence. Please call us to provide further information about your work, what training you have or have not received and how you came to suffer the injury.

    Reply

    I was employed by a global company from 2016, as the sole employee based in the UK for this division, my employement contract was with one of their UK division with whom I had nothing else to do with. In Early 2017 I was asked to go to the USA for a Global sales meeting. On my return I suffered a severe injury and had to go to hospital and and several days off work sick. My director who was responsible for the European Sales team but was based in the US told me I must report the accident to the UK division and they must add it into the accident book, I emailed the then UK based HR manager advising of the accident with details and put my director on copy.
    This year I was made redundant and recently the injury has flared up making surgery the only option for any recovery. I contacted the company asking if there is any support I can expect and have been told “They have no report of any injury and if I am unable to provide any evidence they are not prepared to investigate further” I advised them of the two people I reported it too and have been told that as they are no longer working for the company they are unable to contact them.
    I have made contact with both my former director and the HR manager with lttle effort. But remember clearly the incident and can confirm it was entered into the accident book. Yet the company say there is no entry in the book.

    What can I do what advice can you offer?

    Ian Morris

    Assuming that you were over the age of 18 at the time of your accident (early 2017), you are realistically unable to do anything about your injury. Personal Injury law within the UK would require that you pursue a claim within 3 years of the date of the accident and that limitation date has clearly expired.

    Reply

    Can you ask for any paper work on your accident from your employer?

    Ian Morris

    Yes, you can request a copy of an incident report/accident book entry. Strangely though, the employer isn’t obliged to provide you with copies of this information and they are also not prevented from doing so either – so it’s whether their policy will allow them to do so!

    bex

    does this cover RIDDOR reported to HSE?

    Ian Morris

    Only RIDDOR reportable incidents will be reported to RIDDOR but if the HSE is aware of an accident, then evidence is available to support a claim going forward.

    Reply

    I had a accident at work I fractured my ankle stepping out of a van at work the inside of the back of the van has wood sheets down but it’s all rotted and wet iv slipped on this but iv not taken any pictures of the condition of the back of the van when I did this and the office staff at work have filled in the accident book at work and it not the account I gave them and they signed the accident book where I was supposed to sign and then they have said they signed it in the wrong place can you give me some info on what steps I need to take

    Ian Morris

    You appear to have a valid claim on the basis of employer negligence given the condition of the flooring in the back of the van.

    If you are able to obtain some photographs of the flooring, that would be most helpful. You should also inform your employer that they appear to have an inaccurate report of the incident and that it is not as you reported it. You can make your own accurate report of the incident and provide a copy in writing to your employer requesting that they amend their report as it is incorrect. If you or any colleagues have previously reported the rotten flooring in the vehicles, you should cite that too.

    Reply

    My employer is making it hard for me to get the date of my accident. I had my union rep email them and they still have not responded.

    Ian Morris

    Did you seek medical attention at the time of your accident? If so, contact your GP surgery and ask them to check on your medical records to let you know the date you attended Hospital/Doctors for treatment.

    If you need any further help with starting a claim, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    Reply

    I pulled a ligament in my leg doing my job, but at work, they won’t put it in the accident book.

    Ian Morris

    Your employer should record the injury in their accident book. As they have refused, our recommendation is that you write your own report of the injury, stating what happened, where and when and what injury you have sustained and send it to the employer by email. You can then retain your own copy in your sent email folder and the employer has been made aware of the incident – whether they choose to then record it correctly or not!

    Reply

    I have no access to accident book as it is locked in first aid room is this legal as my injury is minor?

    Ian Morris

    Your employer is within their rights to keep the accident book record in a secure location, but they are obliged to record the details of each and every injury within the workplace – whether it be minor or serious.

    Reply

    Hi can you log an accident in the book 4 weeks after the injury?
    Thanks

    Ian Morris

    You can request that an accident be logged at any stage, but an employer or organisation may refuse to accept an entry in to their accident book if time has passed since the incident and if there is no independent witness available to confirm the location and time of the incident.

    If your request to log the incident is refused, simply make your own written report detailing the date and time of the incident along with the location, a description of the incident and injuries sustained.

    Reply

    I was using an angle grinder at work, I was cut badly on my arm through no fault of my own, an independent safety company did a report for the company I was working for, I’ve asked to see photos and statements, but they won’t show me.

    Ian Morris

    We would like to help you pursue a claim for the laceration to your arm as it would appear that you have a robust and valid claim for compensation.

    Whilst the employer has refused to show you the contents of the report, photographs or statements you should not be concerned. The employer is not obliged to release this to you, but should a claim proceed, our Solicitors will be able to access the report and contents.

    Reply

    Do I have the right to ask for a copy of the incident report from my supervisor if I was in an accident?

    Ian Morris

    You do you have a right to request a copy of the incident report, but the employer is not obliged to provide that to you. It is somewhat of a grey area in that they do not have to give it to you but there is also no reason for them not to give it to you!

    Reply

    I had an accident at work, wasn’t my fault, they won’t let me see photos or statements?

    Ian Morris

    Whilst there is no legal obligation for the employer to allow you to view their statements or photographs relating to your accident (unless they are disciplining you as a result of the incident), there is also no real reason for denying you the opportunity to view them.

    Reply

    Three months ago in November 2020 I was shovelling gravel in my workplace when I suffered a severe heart attack. I spent 3 days in Hospital, had 2 stents fitted and have just gone back to work after 12 weeks. My employer put me down to zero pay, paying only SSP because they said it was not an injury at work and thus not their responsibility. The work I was carrying out, shovelling gravel was part of a Company Works Order. As far as I can ascertain my employer did not report the incident as a RIDDOR even though my heart attack was brought about whilst carrying out a workplace activity and I was off work over 7 days. Can you help?

    Ian Morris

    Although you were taken seriously ill at work, it is unlikely to be considered a RIDDOR matter as you were not injured in an accident and it is unclear that there was any negligence.

    david

    My wife was badly injured at home after falling off a commode, it was put in the d.o.b book but then a different statement completely was sent to me. Can they change the original statement for a more elaborate one protecting themselves?

    Ian Morris

    No accident or incident report should be amended to withhold accurate information. Whilst it is reasonable for a report to be re-written to be more descriptive or accurate, if there is any false information or accurate incriminating information is removed, that is fraud and should be reported to the relevant authorities.

    Reply

    Hi
    I am a H&S rep, my employer is the prison service and my recognised union is the POA. I have requested a copy of an accident report that my employer submitted ref an accident at work suffered by one of my union members. The management have refused to disclsoe a copy of this report to the victim of the accident but they have agreed to disclose it to me as the H&S rep. My question is am I l entitled to share that report with the victim of the accident?

    Ian Morris

    Whether or not you can disclose the contents to the employee in question is unclear. The employer has no obligation to provide copies of incident/accident reports to employees, but there is also no reason why they should not. In this case, you should check whether there are any ‘do not disclose’ clauses in the release of the document to you before you share it with the employee.

    Reply

    Hello i started work as an temp worker through a agency, for a month that ive been there i was lifting car cylinders 25/30kg on 12 hour day and night shifts, ive lifted the cylinder outa the machine and put it on the rack and i felt a severe sharp pain in my shoulder blade, were supposed to be using a mini crane too do the lifting however it was broke so we had the do the lifting by ourselves which was very hard over 12 hours, the manager wont allow me the file it on the accident report book, the nurse told me the rest and that shouldnt be doing the job in the first place, ive been to the doctors, i cant lift like this with this pain.

    Ian Morris

    You have a right to make a back injury claim in this scenario. Regardless of whether you are an agency or full-time employee, you have the same right to a safe working environment. As the mini-crane was broken, the employer should have found an alternative lifting solution or temporarily suspended the work in question. The fact that the employer that you were working for failed to protect you and other employees is likely to be seen as employer negligence.

    Reply

    Hello there, I slipped and fell down stairs outside in my workplace resulting in a strained arm, lower back and hip pain, I’ve let my manager know but no accident form was recorded nor was the owner of the hotel informed, what should I do?

    Ian Morris

    What caused you to fall on the stairs? Were they wet? Were the stairs inside or outside? If there was a hazard on the stairs that lead to the fall, you should – if you can – obtain photographs showing the hazard.

    In terms of the accident report, you should write your own report and send a copy to your Manager and to the Hotel in which you should outline what happened, where and when and how you were injured.

    Reply

    I work in a care home and one of the staff asked if I would help her as she was bathing a resident who was being stubborn, so I did. However, whilst I was drying and pulling the residents underwear up, the resident collapsed on to my arms.

    I eventually got sent to a physio who thought that I had a tear in the rotator cuff. I was given a sick note and booked in for an ultrasound scan, which I had on Monday this week. The scan shows that I do seem to have a tear. However, I now have to wait for my Doctor to get the result. I rang where I work to ask whether the incident was recorded in the accident book and if not, could I put it in. However, this was refused with them saying that it’s to late to do this and the girl who I was helping didn’t remember me doing it (which obviously is a lie).

    Is the employer allowed to refuse me to report this? I won’t know what is happening with my arm until my Doctor gets my result. Can you please advise me on what to do next?

    Ian Morris

    Your employer is not required to allow you to enter a report in to the accident book given the time that has lapsed between the incident and now. An accident book entry really needs to be completed immediately, or very soon after an incident.

    However, in your case we would suggest that you write to your employer by email to outline what happened, when and where and how what you initially thought was a minor muscle pull is actually a potentially serious injury that may require lengthy treatment.

    You could seek to make a claim against your employer for the injury sustained. It would seem that the Bathroom you were in was too small for the amount of people within it and that the nature of the care being given was not correctly risk assessed for the resident in question.

    Reply

    Hello. I am pregnant. I got electrical shock at work by touching two machines. One of the supervisor gave me a lift to the hospital. I have been told that everything was put in accident book straight after I was gone but when I asked to see if everything was put down correctly I have been told that they are not sure if they will be able to show me my accident report. My baby is all healthy and ok but I am scared of working there. What do I do in this situation ?

    Ian Morris

    Your employer is not obliged to show you what has been written in the accident book. Although there is no reason for them not to show you, as they are not compelled to, they may opt against disclosure of the report. If you are concerned about the contents of the report, you should email the employer to request sight of the report and also to make your own report of the incident and ask that your record is retained with the accident report.

    Reply

    Can my employers withhold an in-house accident investigation report from me if I ask for a copy?

    Ian Morris

    There is no requirement for them to provide or indeed disclose their own investigation report to/from you. If their report were to lead to any disciplinary action against you, they would have to disclose the report to you so that you could contest the findings.

    Reply

    I had a fall in work and broke my arm I was told the accident pack was filled out I was supposed to have said it was my fault. I tripped over my foot I was screaming in agony. I didn’t get to read what they had written and I never signed anything, can I put in a claim?

    Ian Morris

    Of course, if you were injured in an accident at work that was not your fault, you can make a claim for compensation. If the employers accident report provides details of an accident that conflict with your given version of events, it may be problematic.

    Have you asked your employer about their report of the accident and asked to see a copy of the report?

    Reply

    Can I get a copy of the filled in and signed accident book following my accident at work?

    Ian Morris

    You can request a copy of an accident book entry, but there is no legal requirement for the employer to provide it to you. Should you go on to make a claim, a Solicitor can obtain a copy for the purposes of a claim.

    Reply

    I work in care home, was punched by resident causing Posterior vitreous detachment of eye leaving me with floaters and bright flashing light that will be permanent. Manager says it not go in accident book as it’s an incident, also have asked if I will receive sick pay as signed off for two weeks, my manager will not talk to me or respond to emails.
    What do you suggest I do?

    Ian Morris

    Whether recorded in an accident book or in an incident log, as long as the employer does make a record of the incident and injury, that is the main thing. If the resident in question was known to be aggressive or violent, were you made aware of that risk? Were you adequately trained to handle such a risk or was there not a care plan in place that provided you with a risk assessment?

    If the employer did not minimise the risk of such an injury, you can pursue a claim against them for compensation for the nasty injury you have sustained.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work last September where I hurt my shoulder and I’m still suffering from ths injury and have not been able to work since. Also, I am unable to do my daily tasks without help – basically all my life changed.

    I recently got told that my accident wasn’t reported to HSE and when I contacted the HSE about this, I was told that my accident didn’t have to be reported! Why? I thought it was the law?

    Ian Morris

    Not all accidents have to be reported to the HSE or to RIDDOR. There are certain regulations regarding the reporting of accidents at work and it usually relates to the severity of injury or nature of the accident.

    In terms of the injury and accident, you may be able to make a claim for compensation for the shoulder injury and impact on your life and income. We need to find out how the accident happened and what you were doing so that we can ascertain whether or not you can make a claim.

    Reply

    I fell off a small stepladder at work 3 weeks ago and broke my arm. I’m off for another 4 weeks. I’ve no idea if the accident book was filled in or if it was reported. The steps were not faulty but in my opinion were unsafe for the job i was doing. Can i claim anything for loss of earnings?

    Ian Morris

    There is every likelihood that your employer has put you at risk by asking you to use inappropriate equipment and not provided any training or guidance. If we can establish this, then you can make a claim against the employer and their insurers, which would include loss of earnings.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work last November. When we had the floods.
    A ceiling partially collapsed hitting me and caused a cut to one of my eyeballs. I sought medical advice the doctor removed a foreign object from my eye.
    He the sent me to a specialist who confirmed i had damaged my eye and had lowered the percentage of vision. That i have to now wear glasses.
    I informed my employers the day after and on a few occasions of the accident if it had been recorded in the accident book i do not know but i did inform them on more than one occasion.
    What are my next steps ?
    Thank you
    Nigel

    Ian Morris

    If the ceiling collapsed because of flooding, a claim for compensation may not succeed as the defendant could argue that the cause of your injury was beyond their control or reasonable expectation. However, if the employer placed you at risk by requesting that you entered a building or premises that they should have known was at risk of causing injury or if the building was already in a state of disrepair, you could pursue a claim.

    If you would like to further discuss this matter with us, please call us on 01225430285. Our staff will be able to help you to identify whether or not you can pursue a claim for compensation.

    Reply

    I had a fall at work. I fell over my PPE gown and have injured my shoulder. I didnt report straight away as I didnt think it would be too serious. I reported less than 2 weeks later and was told I didn’t need to report it as it was my own fault. Ten weeks on, I am still in agony. I have had the last 3 weeks off work as I just can’t bare it. Just wondered where I stand with this. Thanks in advance

    Ian Morris

    If the PPE gown that you tripped over was too long or unfit for purpose, you can pursue a claim for the injury to your shoulder.

    Reply

    Morning Ian,
    My partner had a serious fall in work in 2018, off a damaged stepladder, suffering multiple muscular injuries and bruising which she still suffers from today. She then suffered a second accident while carrying very heavy oil drums in the same workplace.
    We are thinking of claiming compensation for many doctor, hospital and chiropractor visits, and time off due to injury and have contacted the employer requesting a copy of the accident book entry. This request has been declined. Do you think she has grounds for a legitimate claim for compensation?

    Ian Morris

    My initial view is that she does have a valid right to pursue a claim against the employer – on both counts. These two claim are certainly matters we would be more than happy to investigate and consider further for you.

    Reply

    Hi I’ve had a accident at work which meant staying in hospital for 3 days and also taking time off work until I get further medical tests. My employer has asked me to sign a document so they can gain access to the medical report from hospital, or if I don’t sign it I’m not allowed to sign the company accident book. Is this true or are they just trying to get out of a compensation claim if I claim?

    Ian Morris

    It is most likely that the employer is acting correctly and given that a 3 day Hospital stay was needed, it is likely that they are reporting the accident at work to the relevant authorities.

    You could protect your interests by emailing your employer to confirm your own version of events re the accident at work and state that you are willing to provide access to the medical report if they are willing to acknowledge receipt of your version of events.

    Reply

    I broke my elbow in work ad I found out my manager left vital information out of the riddor report. I have signed the report without reading it 1st as I didn’t know what I was signing.

    Ian Morris

    If you feel that the accident report or RIDDOR report is inaccurate or missing vital information, it is vital that you inform both your employer and RIDDOR immediately, and in writing.

    Reply

    Is it illegal to prevent an employee from adding the details of an accident at work into the accident book?

    Ian Morris

    Unsurprisingly, whether or not the details of an accident at work should be recorded in the accident book will depend on the nature of the accident and the severity of the injury.

    Of course, best practice requires all accidents at work where an injury is sustained to be recorded in an incident or accident book log. However, UK law only obliges the more serious of accidents at work with the more severe injuries, to be recorded. You can find out more about this in our article about RIDDOR reportable accidents.

    Reply

    I am on a temporary contract stacking shelves over night.
    2 nights ago I felt a sharp pain in my stomach but carried on working because we were busy and short staffed, the next day the pain worsened and over night (on my day off) it became excruciating, I went into a&e 24 hours after the accident and the doctors narrowed it down to an abdominaI tear, I’ve messaged my line manager to record it in the accident book but he tells me “it’s too late”, I’ve had no safe handling training and potentially looking at a lot of time off work to recover. Can I claim?

    Ian Morris

    Please call us immediately on 01225430285 as you would appear to have both a strong and valid claim for personal injury compensation. The failure of your employer to provide you with safe lifting and moving (manual handling) training is negligent on their part and whether or not you are a permanent or temporary staff member, your employer is obliged to ensure that you are afforded appropriate training and a working environment that minimises the risk of injury. That has clearly not been the case in this situation.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work at the beginning of March 2020. I tripped over rubbish that was lying around in the store room. The rubbish was left to pile up and become hazardous, as my boss didn’t have correct means of rubbish disposal. I have since been in pain with my hip and have not yet sought any medical examination. I thought after the accident that once the pain and bruising had gone, that I would be ok. I rang the gp surgery when I realised that my injuries were ongoing. Due to the pandemic, a physical examination has not been possible. I reported the accident to my boss on the day it happened and he just laughed. There is no accident book and no witnesses other than cctv which he will have disposed of. I took photos of the place where it happened. Have kept voice notes of how the accident has impacted my health and also have photos of the bruising sustained. As soon as is possible I am seeking medical attention to find out what injury I have actually sustained. Is there grounds for a claim?

    Ian Morris

    My initial view is that you do have a valid claim against your employer for the injuries you have sustained. The evidence you have obtained in terms of photographs and voice notes could well be important and would help our Solicitors in pursuing your claim.

    Reply

    Hi,

    I tripped & fell over straying wires in my work place in front of my assistant manager & work colleague, when i’ve asked for it to be put in the accident book i was told to wait until my colleague/witness was back at work as i could’nt remember the actual date so have requested to see the rota from that time but it has fell on deaf ears, i have since had back pain through falling but management have not responded in any way.

    Ian Morris

    You certainly have a valid right to make a claim for compensation against your employers insurance. This is something we can help you with on a No Win No Fee basis.

    Loose wires are a foreseeable risk as a tripping hazard and the employer should not have allowed them to be that way. Indeed, wires should be kept within trunking or carefully kept out of the way of any walking area. As this had not happened in your work place, we envisage that you would likely succeed should you pursue a claim.

    In terms of reporting the incident and the attempts you have made to get the employer to record the details of your accident at work in their accident book, make sure that you put something in writing regarding your attempts. Perhaps email your boss regarding the incident instead of relying on verbal reporting and chasing.

    Reply

    I experienced an accident at work which ended with a week in hospital and 4 months off work. I want my employer to provide me with the accident report or the protocol that my employer took on the day of my accident but they are refusing to provide me with this information. What should I do?

    Ian Morris

    In the UK, employers are not obliged to provide you with a copy of an accident book report. Whilst there is no reason for them not to do so, as they don’t have to, many won’t.

    Given the apparent severity of your injury given the week in Hospital and 4 weeks away from work, the sensible move would be to start a claim for compensation against the employer. Our specialist Solicitors are experts in handling accident at work compensation claims. With the use of the legal framework surrounding personal injury compensation, our Solicitors would be able to access details of the accident report and protocols employed by the company in their efforts of securing compensation for your injuries and any loss of income you may have sustained.

    Please call our team – we’re ready to help you and can explain your rights, the claims process and help you start your claim for compensation.

    Reply

    If an employee is carrying out cleaning duties and is caused a back injury by moving a heavy object, in the correct manner, and reports her injury to the proprietor of the business and she does not offer to put this injury in the accident book ( not sure that there is one ) what are her legal rights?

    Ian Morris

    There is certainly a potential for the injured employee to pursue a claim against the employer. If the employer has not properly risk assessed the work that they are asking their staff member to perform, or if they have not provided adequate training and guidance, the employer will be liable for any injuries and losses caused.

    The lack of an accident book at work is a concern, but that is not the injured employee’s fault. In such cases, we strongly recommend making a written report to the employer regarding the accident (by email) and sending it to both the supervisor, line manager and HR department.

    Reply

    I became trapped in a confined space after one of my employers contractors fitted a mechanical lock incorrectly. After about 30 minutes of trying to escape I suffered a major panic attack. I sent a written statement to my employer to enter in the accident book which gave details of the incident. Having now seen what they have actually written in the accident book it bares little resemblance to my actual statement? They have recorded my injuries but everything else has been worded to downplay the incident. It appears that no one knew about my injuries as my employer had decided to keep it quiet?
    The incident was not reported to HSE despite me being off work for 9 months due to my injuries? My employer changed my statement in the accident book without my knowledge or agreement?
    I strongly believe my employer removed all the evidence in order to protect the reputation of the contractor who had just won a major contract with my employer.
    Where do I stand legally as I have photographic and medical evidence about the incident?

    Ian Morris

    Have you already made a claim or spoken with a specialist personal injury Solicitor? If not, please make further contact with us by way of our ‘start a claim‘ page so that we can help you in this process.

    Regarding the apparent falsification of the reporting of the incident and lack of report to the Health and Safety authorities, you may want to contact the HSE personally to discuss that issue with them.

    Reply

    Hurt back on site but did not record it in accident book. My employer on the following Monday was informed I was suffering from bad back so I was un able to work. So today I asked about weather or not I should be receiving sick pay my agency told me I was un able to claim as it wasn’t recorded on site. Dose RIDDOR act made by h.s.e stand in this case?

    Ian Morris

    RIDDOR regulations apply to ALL accidents at work. However, as you have not reported the injury in the work accident book, it means that the employer may not accept that your injuries were caused at work and may therefore not report the incident.

    Reply

    If a company as lied about a accident on site in their health and safety report what can i do?

    Ian Morris

    If you believe that an organisation or business has made a false report of an accident or incident at work, you should do two things. You should write to the employer/company to advise of the inaccuracies in their report, provide correct information and request that they amend their report. You should also contact your local Health and Safety Executive office and report the misleading/false report to them.

    Reply

    Hi had an injury at work last week and hurt my leg still suffering a week later , I’ve been to the doctors and hospital and luckily it’s not broken just sprained badly. My supervisor has informed me he has filled in the accident form of what happened and signed it . I have never come across this before as I always it came down to the individual it happened to for them to write down what had happened . But he refuses to let me see a copy of what’s put he said it’s in the accident book and I don’t need to know. I just wanted to know where I stand , thankyou

    Ian Morris

    The employer doesn’t have to allow you to view the accident record that has been made. We would recommend that you make a formal written note to the employer advising that you have not seen the accident book report, you did not complete it and you have no way of knowing whether or not the report is accurate, honest and correct.

    Reply

    I am an agency TA within an independent behavioural school. I am not trained in their intervention s techniques. I had no alternative than to help restrain a refractory pupil. I broke my wrist scaphoid in the process. I am now absent from work due to the injury.
    I wish to complete an accident / injury form. The employer will not post or email the relevant form to my home address. Stating they cannot do this. They have also informed me that they can use the witness and incident form raised by another member of staff as the basis for the recording of the accident / injury therefore there is no requirement for me to complete an accident / injury form is this correct ?… I still wish to complete the relevant form regardless .

    Ian Morris

    If their policy is to not send the forms outside of the school, then that is their policy. However, we would be very wary of allowing them to make a record of the incident without allowing you to contribute to the record and allowing you to read the report before it is signed off as an accurate report.

    Reply

    I trapped my hand in a machine at work it was trapped between a pallet and a guard rail. I followed company procedures to free the blockage in the machine. I reported the incident and attended hospital for my injury.
    My work place will not show me the accident report and are saying it has not been completed, the accident was over a month ago. I was off work for 10 days the question I need answering is.
    1 – should this accident have been reported to RIDDOR and the HSE?
    2 – what time frame does my employer have to fill in the accident report and do I have a right to see it?
    Thanks in advance.

    Ian Morris

    It would appear that the injury you sustained should have been reported to RIDDOR as you were off work for 10 days.

    As for the accident report, there is no legal requirement for your employer to show you a copy of their report. The best advise is to write a statement of your own regarding the incident in which you were injured, listing when, where and how the incident happened. What training you had received and whether any issues relevant to the incident had been discussed before or since it happened and send that to your employer and ask them to add it to their report of the incident.

    Reply

    For a good couple months I’ve been telling my employer (my manager and deputy manager) about the floor I’ve been standing on and the problems it is causing me. The floor is sloped and standing on it all day has been giving my back trouble.

    2 weeks ago I pulled my vertebrae to the right in my back as I was near end of the shift. I swapped places with colleague to make it easier for the rest of the day. I attended work again the following day and had intense pain so had to go home. I then had the next week off and a few days the week after too (a total of 7 days in all). I’ve now gone back to work and they wont let me put it in the accident book. The health and safety manager has said to me that by law I cannot put it in the accident book as I didn’t report the ‘injury’ to a first aider. Is this true?

    I’ve been to a chiropractor and they have said the uneven surface i’m stood on is likely the reason my back went and me working in the one place day in day out wont help either. Please get back to me, I feel kind of lost on what to do!

    I just want to be covered as I have little money and if I need more time off, I cant pay my rent. Thanks.

    Ian Morris

    The scenario you describe is a tricky one in terms of being certain (or uncertain!) as to whether or not you have grounds to make a claim against your employer. You mention that you pulled your back whilst working. Clearly, standing on a sloping floor is far from ideal, but what is the nature of your work? Have your employers provided manual handling training?

    It would be wise to ensure that you make a written ‘complaint’ to your employer about the working environment and the sloping floor. You should cite your injury and the thoughts of the chiropractor you have seen. We would also recommend that you attend your GP to discuss the injury and have your symptoms noted on your medical records.

    If your employer fails to take any action after receiving your written report of the issues with the floor and you go on to develop further symptoms, there will be a paper trail of evidence to support a possible claim for personal injury compensation and you could contact us at that point to start a claim for compensation.

    As for the ‘law’ that the Health and Safety manager is attempting to cite in refusing you the right to record the injury at work in their accident book, we have absolutely no idea what they are talking about (and neither do they!).

    Reply

    Hi, I was exposed to asbestos at work!. I cut through a ceiling only to find and expose myself to old artex. It turns out the original incorrect testing procedure was done, as the test never went all the way through the ceiling. It was then tested properly and turns out the hidden artex has asbestos in it. It could of been avoided with the correct test in the first place.

    It happened a month ago. My employer did not report it to RIDDOR. I’ve only just found this out and also that they have not reported it in the accident book.

    How will this affect my position of claiming from them for an asbestos related disease should the worst happen many years down the line?

    Thanks

    Ian Morris

    You may wish to contact RIDDOR yourself to discuss this, we also have an article on asbestos claims for more info. It is important to ensure that written reports are made at work outlining what has happened and you should discuss the same with your GP.

    Reply

    I had a quad bike accident at work about 5 weeks ago. I hurt my back and banged my leg and arm. I reported this, but my Boss said there was no accident book as they don’t need one, so I could not fill it in.

    I went to the Doctors after 3 days as my back hurt more and my legs were tingling. I was sent to Hospital and saw a registrar who took x-rays and said it looked like I had some compressed discs and a ‘wedge’ fracture. I told my Boss to send cover and help, but was told “try to find some casual labour”! No help came and I have tried to carry on work in a lot of pain. I have asked again for cover and explained I cannot work properly but have been told he can’t find cover.

    I am a gamekeeper and currently doing 50+ miles on the quad a day which is very painful and as there is no one to help I cannot take time off as the animals need to be fed. I am working 12 hours 7 days a week and not had a day off since June and am sure they can’t treat me like this?

    Ian Morris

    The employer should record all and any accidents at work and for them to not have a system in place to report incidents is bad practice. Given the severe injuries you have sustained, you really should not be working in the way that you are and in doing so, you are risking your long term health. Of course, you should be following medical advice and if your Doctor is advising rest, you need to rest and the responsibility for the work you do falls with the employer and not you. You may well benefit from seeking some specialist employment law advice regarding your working pattern and the way you are managed by your employer as it does not seem correct that you work 12 hour days, 7 days a week without any time off.

    With regards to your injuries and any possible claim for compensation, you may have grounds to make a claim for compensation. However, we need to know more about the quad bike accident to advise further on that. We would like to know what training (if any) your employer has given you to ride the quad and how the accident happened and what caused you to be thrown from the quad.

    Reply

    I fell over a roll of carbon fibre fabric at work, and when I ask to report this, I was told that there wasn’t an accident book.

    Ian Morris

    Your employer should have an accident book and they should be ensuring that accidents at work are recorded correctly. Given the lack of the accident book, you can do two things.

    Firstly, you should write your own report of the accident at work and your injuries. You should list what happened and when, who saw it (if anyone) and what injuries you have sustained. You should then send a copy to your Manager and retain a copy for your own records.

    Secondly, you could report the employer and their lack of an accident book to the Health and Safety Executive and ask for their observations on this issue.

    With specific regard to your accident at work, it would seem that you may have valid grounds to pursue a claim for personal injury compensation. Before we could advise further, we would need to know more about your accident and find out where the roll of carbon fibre fabric was and how you came to trip over it.

    Reply

    a year ago i was lifting a heavy piece of machinery off a van, i injured my back and was left unable to move/speak and had difficulty breathing. After half an hour i was able under great difficulty able to drive my van back to the yard where i verbally told my manager about the accident. I was met with a lot of abuse , and made to feel like i was a hindrance. I went home immediately and managed to get myself to the doctors for pain relief but spent majority of next couple weeks in bed unable to operate properly. The accident book was never filled in by my manager and when i came back to work i was told it was too late. a year down the line i’m still having alot of problems, and feel im going to have to give my career up. I’ve been refereed to a specialist since then and i’ve requested that it goes into the accident book as i have a witness willing to back me up. My company are making it very hard for me at the minute and not being as helpful as i thought they would….can you please tell me where i stand?

    Ian Morris

    Your employer has not acted correctly in refusing to make a record of your injury at work and by their subsequent further refusals to note the details of your injury.

    As you have a witness willing to corroborate any statement you may make with regards to the nature of your injury and the incident. If you have not already done so, we would certainly recommend that you make your own written report, noting the date, time and the location of the incident as well as a description of what you were doing and the injury you sustained. You should then send the same to your employer both electronically and by recorded delivery, retaining proof of postage.

    In your case, if your injury was caused through a lack of adequate manual handling training, or by your employers failure to provide you with the right equipment or support to enable you to work safely, you could pursue a claim for personal injury compensation against the employers insurance on the grounds of employer negligence.

    Reply

    Should me and my employer both sign the accident report in book?

    Ian Morris

    There is no hard and fast rule to the way an accident book entry is recorded. Best practice would be for the record to be made in conjunction with the injured party to ensure that they are happy that the written accident book entry correctly represents the incident in which they were injured. It would also be sensible for the injured employee to sign the report to confirm that they are happy with the accident report.

    Reply

    Hi there I recently got my fingers broken and received 14 stitches by a careless machine operator. Can I ask my boss for a copy of my accident from the accident book?

    Ian Morris

    You can ask your employer for a copy of the accident book, but they are not obliged to provide you with the same. The most sensible course of action would be to make a request in writing.

    You mention what would appear to be a serious injury to your hand at work, caused by an act of negligence. As such, we would like to speak with you further and help you make a claim for compensation. Injuries to the fingers are known to have serious implications to the injured person and for such injuries to greatly impair ones independence and ability to live a ‘normal’ life during recovery. As such, successful claims can see settlement values of a substantial nature.

    Reply

    A pallet truck at work got stuck under a loaded pallet due to some loose strapping underneath getting twisted around its wheels. I reached under to untangled the strapping and told a colleague to let the pallet down slowly so I could make sure it didn’t fall back into place around the wheels. The colleague dropped the pallet immediately to the ground and onto my hand. My employer is being dismissive of the accident & won’t record it in the accident book. I’ve been to hospital and had 2 x-rays this past week & they believe I have a crack along a bone in my hand. Is the accident my own fault for trying to untangle the strapping in the first place?

    Ian Morris

    You have been injured in an accident at work and quite why your employer will not let you record the details in their accident book is beyond us! On this particular issue, you should make a written report of the incident and send a copy to your employer – by email or in writing – and retain a copy of the same for your own records.

    Given the nature of the incident, we feel that you have a valid claim for compensation and would be well within your rights to pursue such action.

    Reply

    I cut my hand cutting a cable tie at work. I was using scissors as the tie was so tightly closed a safety knife would not fit into it.
    My employer has, after over 3 weeks, completed an investigation, however they at no point have asked my version of what happened and an accident was not filled in with my input.
    Have they broken any rules?

    Ian Morris

    The employer hasn’t necessarily broken any rules, but to complete an investigation without taking evidence from the person at the heart of the incident (you) does seem foolish! I would recommend that you make your own written report of the incident outlining what you were doing and why you used the scissors and how you were injured. You could make mention of having never been told not to use scissors etc if relevant.

    You could be entitled to compensation if we can show that the employer was negligent. In this case, if the cable ties need to be removed, but no tool is provided to enable their safe removal, you could succeed.

    Reply

    I had an accident outside a hotel, they filled in an accident form which signed. Am I entitled to see a copy of it?

    Ian Morris

    You do not have a right to see the accident book. Whilst the Hotel is not obliged to show you a copy, there really is no reason for them not to do so.

    In your case, you could possibly make a claim against the hotel for any injuries you sustained in the accident. Before we could advise you as to whether or not you can make a claim, we need to understand what happened and how you were injured. Please feel free to respond to my response to you and we can then advise you further.

    Reply

    I started work with the company 3 months ago, about 10 days ago the weather was very hot and we were asked to open the windows of the hotel bedrooms for guests. As I pulled the heavy window up which is on a pulley type system this failed and the full weight came down on my left hand, pulling my arm and neck, I now have constant pain and numbness in my shoulder and neck. My neck movement is at 40% and the doctor has put me off work and on medication. I asked the top supervisor for the accident book to be told we don’t have one, what should I do? Thank you.

    Ian Morris

    You should make a written report of the incident that caused your injury – describing what happened and how you are injured (along with noting the lack of an accident book) to your employer and send it to your HR team and your line manager.

    We would be happy to assist you in taking such a claim further.

    Reply

    We continually walk on rubble and rough surfaces to do our security patrols 4 times a day and it’s starting to affect some of us, ie knees, ankles, hips & lower back. For 6 months I’ve also been getting knee pains directly because of this. I’ve asked if I can put my details in the accident book, but our boss has hinted that because it’s a ‘repetitive strain’ it cannot be put in the accident book, and that there’s no proof that our issues are related to the terrain that we walk on daily. Can we put ‘repetitive strain’ in the accident book?

    Ian Morris

    It is hard to put repetitive strain in the accident book as it is not a specific ‘one off’ incident or accident. However, you could make a written report and observation to your employer and complain about the uneven rubble covered surfaces upon which you are expected to work. Your employer is right in that there is not any evidence to demonstrate a causal link between the uneven surfaces and your symptoms at this time. With that in mind, it would be sensible to speak with your GP and discuss this matter to see what their observations are.

    Reply

    I was hit twice on a dumper truck by a forklift reversing into me and hurt my back at work on a construction site in March. Reported it to site agent and he refused to put in accident book and wanting me off job as I was complaining about it. I am off work at moment with my back again. Where do I stand about claiming loss of earnings?

    Ian Morris

    You can make a claim for compensation and if successful, you could recover any lost income caused in this incident.

    Reply

    Hi there, I had an accident at work yesterday. I am working in a skip yard and my colleague was throwing an object into a big pile of rubbish and it hit my head. The head is split open and it had to be glued yesterday at A&E. They have not filled accident book, I am asking this now. However, I am afraid that I might loose my job if I start make a claim. I am self employed and majority of people are related to each other at that company so obviously everyone is covering each other backs. Where do I stand here? They have CCTV, however I don’t think incident it self was captured it’s only when I was walking to the office bleeding. Is there something I can do or is it not worth it as I do need my job?

    Thanks

    Ian Morris

    Given the nature of your work, there is a reasonable argument to say that the employer has been negligent in the way that staff are working (throwing objects around) and lack of adequate personal protective equipment being provided.

    You do have a right to make a claim if you’re self-employed and the employer cannot legally terminate your work or lower your rights as a result of making a claim. However, in the case of a small business with a close knit family unit involved, making a claim can be a difficult matter to negotiate.

    Reply

    Do I need to request a copy of an accident form from my employer in writing?

    Ian Morris

    Your employer is not obliged to provide you with a copy of an accident report. Whether or not they will do so will depend on their own internal policy, but if you are going to request a copy of an accident book report, it is wise to do so in writing.

    You do not need a copy of an accident book entry, but it is sensible to check what is recorded – so if the employer won’t let you have a copy to keep, do ask to see what information has been entered.

    You have clearly had some sort of accident at work and you may have a right to make a claim for compensation as a result. If you would like to find out more about your rights in such a situation, or how to make a claim for compensation, please call us on 01225430285.

    Reply

    My employer tried to fill another accident form that wasn’t true reflection of actual event and injuries i received, and repeatedly insisted me to sign it, i refused to sign and this was taken quite seriously. The original form was filled by store immediately after the accident, and a copy was supplied to my employer where i based as a driver. I further was subjected to detriment by reduced sick pay, declining my rep in meetings. there is a-lot to add but i am dealing with the rest.
    Am i within my legal rights to challenge the conduct of my employer regarding filling another accident form that i was completely unhappy with ?

    Ian Morris

    If anything has been recorded falsely or deliberately inaccurately, then of course you have every right to challenge that and seek a correction. The issue you will face is having the evidence to support your assertion of an incorrect record of an accident.

    Reply

    Can I request a copy of an accident report form which I was involved in, from a previous employer?

    Ian Morris

    You certainly can request a copy of an accident book report. However, there is no obligation for them to provide you with a copy.

    Reply

    Hi,
    My name is Martin. I have had work related injury last year in October. I did write an accident form, but when I asked for it two days ago they couldn’t find it. Then, I asked my unit manager about it and she said I haven’t done one, but I am sure I done it. I know exactly what day it was, I have told about it to GP, Orthopedist. I have a witness to whom I told that I done accident form and maybe other witness from that day when accident happened, but she left company while ago.

    Ian Morris

    If the employer has misplaced or lost your initial accident report form, that is not your problem and you appear to have done your best in terms of locating it. To protect your interests, you should write to your employer regarding their loss of your accident report and file a new report in that letter advising what happened, when, where and how and what injuries you sustained.

    We would like to find out more about your accident and the cause of your injury in order to advise you as to whether or not you can take this further in terms of a claim for compensation as a result of an accident at work. Our specialist staff know your rights and what obligations an employer has towards protecting your health and safety whilst at work and we can advise you as to whether or not the employer has been negligent. Please use the ‘start a claim’ page of our website to provide your contact details to us so that we can engage in a discussion with you and give you the support and advice you need.

    Reply

    Hello I’m concerned about my wife she had an accident at work, her employer told her she would fill in the accident book and get my wife to sign it, that was the my wife heard about the accident book, she hasn’t seen the accident book let alone sign anything as confirmation this happened 3 weeks ago, is this legal?

    Ian Morris

    Clearly, there is a concern that the accident has either not been reported or not been reported correctly. There is no reason whatsoever to refuse an injured person the right to see what has been recorded within an accident book in order to confirm it is an accurate reflection of the incident. Given what you describe, the safest thing to do is write your own report of the accident outlining what happened, when it happened and where it happened. You should indicate any possible breaches of health and safety or negligence and send a copy to the employer (and retain a copy for yourself) advising that as you have not been able to confirm that a report has been made, you are making one to protect your interests.

    Reply

    Oh and I’m not sure if it was recorded in accident book. Most likely not. I’ve asked the company to carry out an investigation into it. They haven’t concluded as yet.

    Ian Morris

    It is important to make sure that the details of your injury/health problem at work is recorded correctly. To this end, you should ensure that an accident book report is completed and if that is not possible, record the details of your injury in writing and send a copy to your HR department and Line Manager.

    Reply

    i had an accident with my company in warehouse one year ago i slipped on the floor in the chiller on spillage ( water) as a caused of that i had twisted knee. the deputy manager recorded my accident but he did not let me to read the report and as well he was late to call SSE to tell them about my accident so the only thing i did was i took picture for sims incident reference. after one year my G.P sent me to do MRI because i had pain in my knee everyday after finish my work and also when i used the stairs.
    from all of that the MRI result was bad for me because i have meniscal cyst in my left knee and my G.P said to me i have to do the operation for my knee.
    i talked to my manager about it he said to me they don’t have my accident report so they lost it.

    Ian Morris

    Our specialist Solicitors would certainly be keen to speak with you about your accident at work and a possible claim for compensation.

    If you would like to take this further, please use the ‘start a claim’ page of our website to make contact with us.

    Reply

    My partner has had 2 accidents at work within the last month, the first was a slip caused by oil leaking from a fryer which resulted in him banging his leg on a metal bar that left a huge bruise on his leg. The second was also a slip on oil spilt in the storage room which resulted in a bang to the head and a trip to hospital with potential concussion. Neither of these incidents were recorded in the accident book as the mangers present didn’t bring one to him and he was never shown it when he started there. Where does he stand going forwards as no one in charge has listened when he has reported concerns or incidents.

    Ian Morris

    Your partner has two potential claims that we would be interested in pursuing should he wish to do so. Given the employers apparent lack of good health and safety management and their failure to properly report and record the details of the accident at work, it would be sensible to make a report to them of the two accidents in writing and hand it to the Manager of the business. Any report should state what happened and where and list the cause – in both cases spillages of oil on the floor of the workplace with no hazard signs.

    Reply

    If I have reported an accident to my employer I think they should give me a copy of the formal report/accident book, but they won’t. I was told they already reported my accident I don’t have to worry about that and they cannot give me a copy of the report or accident book. But if they don’t give me it, if something happens in the future I don’t have any proof. What should I do?

    Ian Morris

    The employer is not obliged to provide you with a copy of the accident report. Whilst there is no reason why they should not do so, they do not have to.

    If you are concerned as to the way the employer retains information within their accident book, you could make a formal request for a copy of the accident record in writing (by email) and retain their response, so that should the accident report become unavailable in the future, you can at least provide evidence that it did exist.

    Reply

    I’ve had a fractured ankle injury at work where a fork lift has reversed into the back of my heel. My employer has had me sign an accident report but only will provide me a one page copy of the statement but I had signed several pages and secondly they won’t provide me a copy of the RIDDOR report which has been submitted to HSE by my employer. They’ve only provided me a copy of the post accident report which was taken at my home following day after the accident. Could you please confirm if I’m entitled to the full reports from my employer.?

    Ian Morris

    Rather oddly, there is no requirement for your employer to provide you with a full copy of the entire report. Whilst there is no reason for them not to, they are not obliged to do so.

    Clearly you have suffered a nasty injury to your ankle and the accident at work scenario you describe would give me an initial opinion that you have a valid claim for compensation. Should you wish to proceed with a claim, we would be very happy to do so and during the claims process, our specialist Solicitors would request a full copy of the accident report as well as details of anything reported to RIDDOR. If you would like to make a claim with us, please use our website ‘start a claim’ page or call us on 01225430285.

    Reply

    I’ve signed the accident book after having an accident not payed attention to what was worded and signed the form. I’ve taken a picture after for my benefit and realised then that it was worded wrongly. Am I entitled to see the form and ask for it to be re-worded to accurately report what actually happened?

    Ian Morris

    The employer should be made aware at the earliest opportunity of any inaccuracies within an accident report in order that accurate and factually correct records are retained.

    Clearly, in the immediate aftermath of an accident involving personal injury, the injured person is unlikely to be thinking clearly and able to think through various matters. As such, it is understandable that you may have signed something that didn’t properly record what had happened. Make sure your employers are made aware of this matter. If they are unwilling to amend the initial record of the accident within their accident book, write to them detailing what you see as being inaccurate and in need of amendment.

    Reply

    I had a accident at work, i am making a claim at the time but my solicitor as been in touch saying that they haven’t stated in the Accident book that the floor was wet at the time of my accident. I was shaken up right after the Accident when I had to sign and was told by my employer at the time that he would fill the rest in as I had really hurt my arm and shoulder, now my solicitor is say it could be a fraud claim if possible could you tell me what I can do?

    Ian Morris

    Do you have any colleagues that witnessed your fall? Would anyone be able to confirm that the floor was wet and therefore slippery? I cannot see how you can be accused of making a fraudulent claim as there is clearly an accident book entry stating that you had a fall and were injured whilst at work.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work a few years ago. I am in constant pain, now off work. I have asked repeatedly for the dates from report book but the boss is ignoring my request. What can I do as I don’t know the dates?

    Ian Morris

    If you sought medical attention from a GP or attended a Hospital as a result of your accident, you could speak to your GP to ask them what the date of your attendance and treatment was. If you can then demonstrate that the accident happened within the past 3 years, you could seek to make a claim for compensation.

    Have you made a formal written request for the accident report and copied the same to the HR department and board of Directors?

    Reply

    Hi i had an accident at work were a steel bar hit me in the ribs due to my boss not getting something repaired. It was reported at least 3 times. I had to go to hospital ended up with a possible hair line crack on my ribs muscle-skeletal damage as well. This was all put in the accident book but has since been ripped out what should i do?

    Ian Morris

    Your employers should not disrupt the recording of accidents or destroy any accident book records. The scenario you describe regarding your injury at work would indicate employer negligence and on face value, my initial view is that you have a strong claim against the employer given their obvious breach of health and safety in terms of not acting upon repeated reporting of a possible hazard.

    Although the employer appears to have removed the report of your accident from their accident book, it should not stop you from pursuing a claim for compensation. Indeed, we would be very happy to assist with a claim in this matter. To this end, please either call us on 01225430285 or use the ‘start a claim’ page of our website to take this further.

    Reply

    Hi I worked for a large company for just under 4 years, in that time I suffered a number of injuries including a broken nose, a badly injured shoulder for which I attended A&E. There are a number of other injuries, these were caused in part from lack of training and faulty equipment, I have left the company and requested details of all the injuries but so far they have not provided them, I believe in order to delay a possible claim, can you advise me on my best course of action?

    Ian Morris

    You could speak with your GP regarding any attendances at A&E or with the GP (all Hospital attendances are recorded with the GP on your medical records) and ask for the dates of any relevant attendances and injuries treated. This would give you the dates and you could then seek to pursue a claim for compensation for any injuries sustained within the past 3 years that can be attributed to employer negligence.

    Reply

    i had an accident at work, reported it and had to fill out a statement, the company then looked at cctv and have told me there are inconsistency with my statement and cctv evidence. I believe at the time that my statement was an honest account of what happened but it all happened so quickly. Can i be disciplined for giving an incorrect statement?

    Ian Morris

    We are not employment law experts and would therefore suggest that you should seek advice from a suitable specialist. However, if someone were to provide misleading and false reports regarding an accident at work it is likely to be seen as a disciplinary matter. However, if any inaccuracies in your report are simply due to shock or slightly incorrect recollection of events, I do not foresee you having any particular concerns.

    Reply

    Can a member of the public or safety professional ask to see an organisation’s accident book? I feel it should be a statutory requirement to be transparent in this regard but feel such a request could be denied.

    Ian Morris

    An employer or organisation would not have to release an accident book simply to the request of a member of the public. With regards to Data Protection requirements, such records are not suitable for public release.

    Reply

    I’ve been working a new job as a delivery driver for Sainsburys now for 11 weeks.
    After passing all the training and finally being able to do the job I applied for, within a few days I ended up seriously hurting my foot when getting out of the van. I struggled on with my duties and finished the day by limping everywhere. No mamager was present when I returned to store so I dropped my manager a text message explaining the injury. Consequently this lead to him putting me on sick leave despite my willingness to carry on working. This was unpaid and I returned to work when the pain was far more tolerable 1 week later. I asked if the injury had been documented in the injury book but I was told “did you put it in there”?. No, I don’t even know where it is I replied. Please can you put it in the book. A week or so later I asked again, to which his reply was “it’s too much hassle, we will have to do a full report & investigation etc.” Fine, I’m happy to do that I replied. Nothing more was said and nothing more has been done.
    I am now being put through a constructive dismissal.

    Is there anything I can do to claim back time I lost out on etc? Or is this more a matter of the big guys stomp over the little person, because I’m still essentially on probation and have less rights.

    Many thanks.

    Ian Morris

    You may have rights to make a claim for personal injury compensation against the employer – if you can identify an area of negligence that caused you to injure your foot whilst getting out of the works vehicle.

    Reply

    Hi Ian, my employer refuses to acknowledge my accident at work or report it in the accident book even with Xrays and doctors notes backing up my claim. They refused to investigate the slip at the time or come to see where the accident happened. What are my rights?

    Ian Morris

    Do you have any witnesses to your accident at work? Or witnesses to you attempting to report the matter? If you have any electronic record (text message, email etc) of your reporting the incident to the employer, that would help you as it would provide important evidence to support any claim for accident at work compensation.

    You could also contact the HSE to discuss the employers attitude towards your accident at work and see if they will investigate the matter.

    With regards to your situation now, have you started a claim for accident at work compensation? Do you have a specialist Solicitor pursuing your claim for you? If you would like any help with this matter, please do not hesitate to make an online enquiry with us.

    Reply

    My employer have said they don’t have to give me any information regarding my injury at work so I’m unable to know there findings.

    Reply

    Hello. I recently had an accident/near miss at work about 1 week and a half ago. I have reported it to my contracts manager and made a statement with our employer. This was a coshh related incident involving a cleaning agent that got in to my eyes. I have still not received a signed copy of my statement as promised, my employer has objected to this accident claiming I just had water in my eyes. He has also not written his own statement of events. Our whole team walked off site in protest for the day as it has not been taken seriously. They have still not provided me with the accident book to fill out.
    I think I need some advice on how to handle the situation.

    Ian Morris

    You have done the right thing so far in reporting the accident and providing a statement of facts with regards to what happened and how. Your employer does not have to provide a copy of the statement, but if they have promised the same then they should do so. Perhaps you could request one in writing?

    With regards to your concerns about the employers attitude towards you and the incident, you could perhaps contact the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to seek some specialist advice from them on that particular issue.

    Any employer requiring employees to work with or handle chemicals face strict obligations under the COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health) regulations. COSHH regulations require employers to ensure that all chemicals are handled strictly, stored safely and that those working with them are provided with the correct personal protective equipment and training.

    In your case, a cleaning agent getting in to the eyes can cause serious damage and would certainly cause distress and discomfort, so eye injury claims can lead to substantial settlement amounts. On face value, you may well have a valid claim to pursue against the employer for compensation and I would welcome the chance to discuss your rights and options with you directly. Perhaps you would like to email me directly (ian@direct2compensation.co.uk) with your contact details so that I can call you to discuss the incident in more detail and offer you some assistance going forward?

    Reply

    Hi i had an accident at work. It was a head injury as i was walking into work the guy in the gatehouse wasnt paying attention and dropped the crash barrier on my head. I was off for 3 weeks and asked if i can get a look at my accident report form but personel said i didnt need to as i already signed this so i must have seen it. Up until today i still have not seen this form or signed this. I have got a lawyer but he has said that because they have admitted liabilty i cannot do nothing about this. I am not happy with this at all because to me this is fraud and no one is entitled to sign this without my permission. Can you please give me advice on this?

    Ian Morris

    It would be wise to find out who signed the form and when the report was made. Perhaps someone filled in a report when you were injured and given the nature of the head injury, perhaps you cannot – for totally understandable reasons – remember it being done.

    If the defendant has admitted liability though, you need not worry too much as you will succeed with your claim.

    Reply

    Hi,
    I injured my shoulder at work by lifting a heavy bag. It wasn’t part of my duties however they asked me to help and I was happy to do it. I started feeling pain the next day and I’ve been off sick since then (2 weeks already). We were supposed to use a trolley for carrying those heavy bags however that trolley was broken.

    I don’t think the incident has been recorded on the accident book.

    Since my employer have not shown any sympathy or interest on my health – only wanting the sick notes from doctors, I’m thinking of claiming for compensation. I have spent money in medicines, private physio (still waiting for appointment with nhs physio) and more natural treatments.

    Can you please advise? Thank you

    Ian Morris

    The scenario you describe regarding the shoulder injury you sustained at work gives me an initial view that you have a valid claim for compensation. The employer is likely to be seen as negligent in this incident as the trolley that should be used for moving the heavy items was broken. As such, they should have either had it repaired, arranged for a replacement or postponed the moving of the heavy bags. By asking you to move the heavy items without providing you with the correct equipment to minimise the risk of injury, your employer is likely to have to admit liability should you make a claim.

    We would like to hear from you so that we can help you make your claim for accident at work compensation.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work and suffered minor injuries (soft tissue) to my arm and wrist. I wasn’t able to work for 3 weeks as I had a splint on my hand, which I could remove only for hygienic purpose. I’ve been issued with a sick note from my GP, which was advised by the Hospital unit, where I’ve been treated at A&E.

    On the day of accident (after I’d had the accident), I wrote what happened – in front of my team leader – a report of the accident on the form provided by my employer, however there wasn’t any column that I should sign.

    I’m still on probation, with this job and was so worried about money, however I received a phone call to say that the company will pay me as a normal, so there is no loss of income. I’ve been asked via the phone by my line manager if I will make an injury compensation claim, which I found offensive. I answered that I wasn’t thinking yet about such a decision and that I just wanted to come back to work and see the accident report. Do I have a right to do so?

    I’m concerned that the accident report isn’t correct as I did see that team leader (on the day of accident) was re-writing the report in the office but I didn’t see what he wrote as I had started to feel unwell and was just on the side with an ice pack resting and waiting for my shift to be over. The accident was not at my fault at all. Please advise what I should do. Thank you

    Ian Morris

    You do have a right under UK law to pursue a claim for compensation against the employers insurance if you believe that the cause of your accident was not your fault. You have described a scenario in which it would appear that you were not responsible and having made a report and then seeking medical attention, you should certainly take this further.

    Making a claim against your employer will not affect your right to continue with your job and your Line Manager has no right to ask you whether or not you are considering making a claim against them.

    Reply

    I’ve asked my employer for an accident book. They’re answer to this request was “No. I don’t employ enough people”.

    I’ve pulled my back at work and am in pain. There are two issues. Firstly, I have no way of one recording the accident/injury and secondly, I have had no manual handling training. Can you advise?

    Ian Morris

    Regardless of the size of your employer, they should have a suitable incident/injury and accident reporting system. It could be as simple as a spreadsheet, a notebook or a formal incident reporting system.

    Given your employers failure to have such a reporting system, you should put a report to them in writing – either by email or recorded delivery outlining what happened, how you were injured and when. You should also make them aware that you have received no manual handling training from them.

    As your employer has failed to provide you with manual handling training, you should seriously consider making a claim for compensation against them as it is likely that you can attribute your injuries to the back to employer negligence and would likely succeed.

    Should you wish to take this further, please call us on 01225430285.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work, I asked for a copy of the report only to be told to write to head office. Is this right?

    Ian Morris

    That could well be the policy of your employer regarding accident books. If it is a large company with numerous sites, it is likely that the accident book entries are collated and logged at one central location – such as Head Office. To that end, it is acceptable for the employer to ask you to write to the relevant person within the Head Office to request a copy of the report.

    You mention that you have had an accident at work. With this in mind, you may well be entitled to make a claim for accident at work compensation against your employers liability insurance. If you can identify any negligence on the part of the employer, an external supplier or a colleague that lead to your injuries, you could well succeed with a claim. Why not contact us so that we can discuss the details of your accident with you and advise you as to whether or not you have a valid claim for accident at work compensation?

    Reply

    Good morning. I recently had and accident at work where I cut my head. I have asked my employer for a copy of my accident report and have been told that this report is the property of the company and although I can read it (I have already signed it) I cannot have a copy to take away with me. Is this correct?

    Ian Morris

    Your employer is within their rights to deny you taking a copy of the accident book entry. However, they would not be able to refuse sight of a copy of the report to a Solicitor should an injured person go on to pursue a claim for compensation and their instructed Solicitor formally requests a copy.

    It is good that you have seen and made a report in to the accident book.

    Reply

    My employer (an agency) refuses to record the details of my accident in the accident book. They deny that I called on Monday to report the accident which was at the earliest convenience as I was in bed injured and couldn’t go within 15 days to the library to scan the Doctors note….

    Can I get compensated? I have a refusal by email to register the accident in the accident book. My witness is my supervisor and all mates. No risk assessment, no safety, no pick up tool and the resulting RSI comes after the muscles cool down and I woke up next day in bed. I am ridiculed for my 4 month injury… I can’t record the accident. Because it’s “late”.

    The agency doesn’t have offices in Leeds. I already have refusal from them after I gave them the fit notes by email, because it’s “late”. When I called they didn’t bother. Under the circumstances it was late anyway. While I was recovering in bed and didn’t need stress on my injury. I needed time to heal. The Health and safety executive was disappointing and the warehouse said they will call police if I call again. I thought it was just a little bit of normal stress on my back. When I left work it seemed alright. It was last day of work.

    Ian Morris

    Given the lack of Health and Safety protocol within your workplace and the lack of risk assessment and correct procedure, you may well have a valid claim against the place where the agency placed you to work for the injuries you have sustained. Clearly, it would have been good if you had been able to record the injury immediately but you have explained clearly as to why that was not possible in this case.

    Reply

    I have been suffering from an RSI and was absent from work for 8 months as a result. 2 Occupational Health reports supported the diagnosis. My employer is threatening me with a warning when I suffered a work related injury and am injured for life. I have also found out that this matter was never reported under RIDDOR as requested by the Occupational Health. Have they broken the law?

    Ian Morris

    Whether or not your employer has broken the law is somewhat irrelevant here – although if RIDDOR and the HSE are made aware of a failure to report a reportable incident, the employer could find themselves in hot water.

    Given the condition affecting you, have you considered making a claim for RSI compensation? You could well succeed in this matter if it can be shown that your current and former employers have failed to adequately minimise the risk of you suffering with such a condition – such as adequate training, personal protective equipment, job rotations and regular breaks.

    At Direct2Compensation, we have a genuine expertise in all matters relating to workplace injuries and RSI’s so it would be a good idea for you to contact us and we’ll be able to advise you as to whether you have a valid claim against your employer. If so, we would be very happy to assist you on a full No Win No Fee basis.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work but the manager was out and the rest of the staff told me they were not aware of there being an accident book. Is it a legal requirement to have one? I work at a pub with at least ten full and part-time staff.

    Ian Morris

    The employer should have a system in place to enable the reporting of accidents. There doesn’t have to be an accident book as such, but a system of recording and reporting accidents should exist – whether that be in a book, by telephoning a certain person or by sending an email to the employer.

    If your employer hasn’t enabled you to report your accident, our advice would be for you to write to or email the employer explaining what happened to you, when and where and what injuries you sustained.

    Reply

    My partner is a delivery driver for a furniture company. Towards the end of April 2018 he suffered a head injury at work. Whilst lifting the rear shutters of the work van a large wardrobe door fell and hit him on the right side of his head. The rope ties which held the furniture in place in the rear had snapped/ripped. He was bleeding, vomitting, dizziness and blurred vision, he was confused not realising where he is for 20 to 30 minutes. It was recorded in the Work Accident Incident Report Book on the same day by a Supervisor. Gradually the symptoms have returned and we have been to our GP and Hospital. Today my partner asked to see the Accident Incident Report Book and to have a copy of the Incident Report. First they refused to show and give, then they gave the book but my partners incident has been ripped out of the book.

    I don’t know what to do, I am noticing so many changes in him and it’s all out of character and it has really become worrying. We have a doctors appointment booked and he is being referred for CT Head Scan.

    What should we do?

    Ian Morris

    The consequences of a head injury at work can be very serious, with behavioural changes commonly listed as one of the most difficult issues caused in such an incident.

    It sounds as if your Partner needs expert advise and support of a specialist Solicitor in this matter and this is something we would be happy to help with. On face value, it seems that he would have a valid claim against his employer for workplace injury compensation and we would like to take this further for him.

    If your partner wants to discuss his rights with us, he is free to liaise with us with no obligation and he may have concerns about claiming against his employer – something we are used to discussing with people who have been injured at work.

    Reply

    I injured my back at work by lifting flat packs ( furniture) and pushing washing machines around. Usuallly should be 2 people lifting if its too heavy but no one at work follows the manual handling/healthsafety regulations . Now i suffer of slip disc , trapped nerve and facet joint disease. On my shift I could feel a little click in my lower back but didn’t not take it serious. But on the next two days it gradually got worse and had to see my Dr. I been off 4 weeks and been send for MRI scan which my symptoms are stated already above. Now my question is i couldn’t come into work to report it but as my sister gone to hand in my skin notes she did report it to the manager but I do not believe that he did report about my injury. What can I do because I am really worried.

    Ian Morris

    If your employer failed to provide you with adequate manual handling training or the correct equipment to lift and move items of weight safely, you would have a valid claim for accident at work compensation and we would be happy to help you start a claim with our specialist injury compensation Solicitors.

    Your employer is clearly aware of your injury and absence from work but you are correct in that they may not have recorded the details of your injury correctly. In order to make sure that your employer is put on notice and has a proper record of the injury, you should put your own report to them in writing – by email or via recorded delivery (retain a copy for your own records) outlining what happened and how.

    Gina

    I asked him if he added it in the accident book. At first he was acting dumb and said if i believe it happened at work then we could do it. Then i emailed him about it if i could have a copy of my report. He said he wants a Dr’s letter because I can not take a report letter outside the company because is personal data protection and also by law I can not take it . So I am really confused by that.

    Reply

    I fell in our work’s carpark and fractured my wrist, I am currently off work, I have asked management 3 times if they have put it in the accident book and at this time it hasn’t when I ask about it they keep dodging the subject, this happened on the 3rd of June, and 3 days later the carpark was closed off and getting re tarred, and it was a pothole that caused my accident. I am wondering why the management are not willing to tell me why it has not been put in the accident book.

    Ian Morris

    It is frustrating to read that your employer will not let you view the accident book entry. Unfortunately, there is no obligation for an employer to disclose this to you – although most good employers have no issue with letting people see the accident book.

    I would be happy to discuss your accident in greater detail so that you can better understand what options you may have with regards to taking further action.

    Reply

    Hi, I had an accident at work driving a forklift truck, I hit a pot hole which jarred my back and caused quite a lot of pain, I have asked my Employers for a copy of the Accident report, and they are refusing to give me a copy, can they do this?

    Ian Morris

    There is no obligation for an employer to allow workers to view the contents of an accident book or an accident report form. Most employers are happy to allow workers access to a copy of accident books and allow them to view what has been noted following an accident at work.

    In your situation, I can imagine that you are feeling frustrated by the attitude of the employer and given that they are refusing you access to the report, it is understandable that you may be questioning whether or not they are being honest in terms of what they have recorded. With this in mind, it may be wise to protect your interests and ensure that an honest report of the event and your injuries is on record. To this end, I would advise two things.

    Firstly, I would take a photograph of the pothole that you hit whilst driving the forklift. This will protect your interests going forward if the area is repaired and the hazard removed.
    Second, I would email or write to your employer outlining that due to their refusal to allow you to see what has been recorded that you wish to put on record your version of events. You should state what happened and where and how you were injured. If the pothole was unmarked with no warning or sign, you should draw attention to that issue and also state how your injury is affecting you. You could also provide a photograph of the pothole in question to corroborate your report.

    We have a number of identical forklift claims in process at the moment and have succeeded with claims of the same cause many time previously. Indeed, we have recently succeeded with a claim for a client who was an FLT operator at a large haulage site and within the site there were two sections of yard that were at slightly different heights. The FLT operator had complained that to drop the couple of inches from one pad of concrete to the next was causing pain and also presented a health and safety risk, yet the employer ignored his concerns. He later sustained a slipped disc as a result of driving across the change in height of the two concrete pads and was left unable to work for a lengthy period.

    We would be very happy to assist you further with regards to a claim for compensation for the injury you have sustained at work. Of course, you may not be minded to pursue a claim and that is fine. However, if you would like further advice or wish to discuss your situation further so that you better understand your rights and options with regards to a possible claim, please contact me.

    Reply

    My brother in law had a nasty fall of a roof onto the scaffolding ! He fell on a drill and fractured two ribs. He since has been off work for a week to recover.
    His employer is refusing to log the incident in the accident book.
    He also refuses to provide him with a contract of employment.
    I find this unacceptable as an employer myself.
    Please advise what he should do legally.

    Ian Morris

    Hi, I am very sorry to hear about your Brother-in-Law’s accident. His employer is breaching health and safety guidelines by refusing to record the details of the accident correctly.

    I would suggest that the your Brother-in-Law writes to the employer (email or recorded delivery) to request that they record the details within an accident book or incident log and that in that letter/email, that he outlines what happened, what injuries he has sustained and note any obvious health and safety issues that lead to our could have prevented his accident.

    We would be happy to help him pursue a claim for compensation against his employer.

    Reply

    I got injured at work slipped out off the step of my truck and hurt my knee, employer is refusing to sign a injury report and said not to tell the doctor when I go that it happened at work cause It will screw up their triff score? What are my legal rights here what can I do ?

    Ian Morris

    In the UK, you have the right to require your employer to complete an accident report and also to inform your Doctor as to how the injury occurred. Your employers concerns are irrelevant in respect of your rights and best interests.

    Whether or not you could hold the employer liable would depend on the training provided by your employer, whether there were any faults with the step or if the employer had failed to provide you with the correct equipment and clothing etc.

    I hope this helps.

    Reply

    I had a fall 5 weeks ago on a wet floor. I have requested on many occasions that my accident be logged in the accident book and that I need a copy. I’m not getting anywhere with getting a copy of it. I have rang the company, sent a recorded letter and left many messages to be contacted. I’m getting ignored, what can I do?

    Ian Morris

    You don’t need to worry too much about getting a copy of the accident book record, the key thing to do is to make sure that it has been recorded. You have done everything that anyone could reasonably expect you to do in terms of reporting your accident. Indeed, the fact that you have sent the company a letter by recorded delivery to ensure that the details of your accident are on record means that you can prove that the company has been made aware of your accident.

    Reply

    I had an accident at work but could not go into work to fill out the accident report. i rang my manager to tell her the details over the phone which she said would be filled out on daytex. I keep asking for a copy but have still not got one it has been 6 months now, how do I get a copy, because I will need to make a claim sometime soon.

    Ian Morris

    Hi, I can appreciate that the lack of provision of a copy of the incident report has been frustrating you. However, with regards to making a claim for compensation after an accident at work, it is not vital that you personally have a copy of the accident book/incident record as our specialist solicitors will be able to obtain this during the processing of your claim. The most important thing is that there is an accident record in existence and it sounds as if there is in your case.

    You could contact your HR department and request confirmation that such a record was made by your Manager. If they confirm that there was, you needn’t worry further and we could make arrangements to start your claim for injury compensation as soon as you are ready. If your employers HR department indicate that there was no record made, you should immediately start a grievance process with them outlining what your Manager had said to you and you should request that an accident record is made immediately (during which you should ensure that it is accurate and reflects the cause of the accident, the injuries and witness information).

    Reply

    Can an employer refuse an employee a copy of a recorded accident book entry?

    Ian Morris

    Whether or not your employer will allow you/employees access to view copies or make entries in to accident books depends on the policies employed by that company.

    All employers should keep records relating to workplace accidents and the most common way of doing so is via an accident book or incident reporting system. In many cases, the individual involved in an accident will not be the person who records the details as it is commonplace for a member of Management of HR staff who will make an entry based on statements from the person injured and those who witnessed the accident.

    In your case, it sounds like an incident/accident book entry has been made and you are simply requesting a copy of this record or the right to view what information is contained within the report. If your employer is refusing you access to this, you need to find out if this is the company policy or if it is just that your individual Manager is refusing you access to the record. You should contact your HR department and ask to see a copy of the policy relating to accident book records and your access to them.

    If you are not being allowed access to view the record, this could well be a breach of your personal information. Employers are governed Data Protection regulations and it could be that the information they have on record relating to an incident in which you were injured is incorrect. If you are not allowed to view this and have it corrected, they have breached your privacy rights. In this case, you could consider contacting the Information Commissioners Office to request assistance and make a complaint.

    It is not always the case that employers will allow staff members to have a copy of an accident book entry, but they should be allowing you to view the same.

    When it comes to claiming personal injury compensation after an accident at work, you do not need to personally have a copy of an accident book entry. The important thing is that an entry or record has been made. Most of our accident at work compensation claimants do not have a copy of their accident book entry, but when our specialist solicitors contact our claimants employers, they are able to provide the relevant proof of authority to obtain a copy for the claimant.

    Reply

    Hi, very recently I’ve had an accident in work where the steps I was working on gave way and my leg went through the gap eventually damaging my testicles. ( painful to say least ). Hospital visits confirm I have damaged veins and as a result cysts have appeared. Anyhow I have since left the workplace and requested a copy of the accident as it was reported in book but my ex boss is refusing to send me a copy. I have photo graphic evidence of the steps I was working on , have witnesses but am unclear what I can do to receive copy of accident report – any advice very helpful. Thank you.

    Reply
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