Workplaces are relatively safe spaces for most of us, although some workplaces can be riskier than most. Some of the riskiest workplaces include industrial and agricultural sites as well as construction sites, but even if you are just in an office, you can still have an accident due to negligence, recklessness, improper practices and procedures, the improper maintenance of certain equipment, and so on. We go to work with the relative confidence that we will not suffer from an accident while we are there, but accidents can still occur – and when they do, and you are injured, what are the steps you should take? What are the top things you should do if you are injured in an accident at your workplace? Here’s what you should know.
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Have Your Accident at Your Workplace Recorded Right Away
One of the things you can do is have your accident at the workplace recorded right away. If you can’t do it yourself because of your injury, then have someone you trust do it for you. Of course, if you need to see a doctor for your injury, this should be done as soon as possible as well. The record of your accident is vital because it will help you if you decide to make a claim for workplace benefits, such as SSP or Statutory Sick Pay.
You should also take pictures of the workplace injury you have sustained. Along with this, take photos of whatever it is that caused your workplace accident. If there is a witness to your workplace accident, get their contact information as well. You can also ask any witnesses to make notes so they can share these notes with you. As soon as you can do so, take notes regarding the details of your workplace accident, like the date and time of the accident and other specifics. You can include drawings and diagrams if they will help you show exactly what happened.
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Know to Whom You Should Report Your Accident
The person to whom you should report your accident will depend on where you were when the accident occurred and what your status of employment is (whether you are a worker or employee or are self-employed).
If you were in your general working environment, you should inform your manager, as the accident at work claim Gloucestershire solicitors from Shires Law recommend. If you are self-employed, you should report it to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) if the accident occurred when you were in your own working premises.
If you were not in your usual working environment, you should inform the person whom you generally report to when you are in a different place or area. If you are a self-employed person and you were working on the premises of your client, then inform the person whom you generally speak with when you are there.
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The Importance of the Accident Book
If the organisation or company you work for has over ten workers or employees, then it should have an accident book. Make sure your accident is recorded in this accident book. If the organisation is smaller and doesn’t have an accident book, just write down the accident details and then send it to the person whom you report to or your manager.