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Accident at Work Last modified: April 21, 2026

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A-Accident at work

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What is an Accident at Work?

An accident at work is an unplanned incident that causes injury, ill health, or damage during the course of employment. It can range from slips, trips, and falls to machinery accidents or exposure to hazardous substances.

  • What does Accident at Work mean in Health & Safety?

    Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers in the UK have a duty of care to protect employees from harm. This includes preventing accidents at work through risk assessments, safe systems of work, and training.

    Some workplace accidents must be formally reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013). This applies to:

    • Fatalities
    • Major injuries (e.g. fractures, amputations, serious burns)
    • Injuries leading to over 7 days’ absence
    • Certain occupational diseases or dangerous occurrences

  • Why does Accident at work matter for your business?

    Failing to manage workplace accidents can lead to:

    • HSE investigations, enforcement notices, fines, or prosecutions
    • Increased sickness absence and lost productivity
    • Reputational damage with staff, clients, and stakeholders
    • Employee injury claims and compensation costs

    Effective accident management ensures compliance, improves employee wellbeing, and reduces long-term business risk.

Accident at Work – Best Practices & Guidelines

  • Conduct regular risk assessments and update them after any incident
  • Provide clear accident reporting procedures for staff
  • Train employees on safe working practices and emergency response
  • Investigate all incidents promptly to identify root causes
  • Maintain accident records for compliance and insurance purposes
  • Support injured employees with appropriate return-to-work processes

impact HR can help employers by providing accident reporting templates, advising on compliance with RIDDOR, and supporting employee relations after workplace incidents.

Need help with an Accident at Work?

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Your Questions Answered

Everything you need to know about Accidents at Work

  • What should an employee do after an accident at work?Reveal

    Employees should report the incident to their employer as soon as possible, seek medical attention if needed, and ensure the accident is recorded in the company’s accident book.

  • Do all workplace accidents need to be reported to the HSE?Reveal

    No. Only certain incidents must be reported under RIDDOR, such as fatalities, major injuries, or incidents resulting in more than 7 days off work.

  • What is an accident book and is it required?Reveal

    An accident book is used to record details of workplace incidents. While not legally required for all businesses, it is strongly recommended and required for organisations with 10 or more employees under social security law.

  • Who is responsible for preventing accidents at work?Reveal

    Employers have the primary duty of care under Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, but employees also have a responsibility to follow safety procedures and report hazards.

  • What happens if an employer fails to report a reportable accident?Reveal

    Failure to report can lead to enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive, including fines or prosecution.

  • Can an employee claim compensation for a workplace accident?Reveal

    Yes, if the accident was caused by employer negligence or unsafe working conditions, employees may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.

  • How long should accident records be kept?Reveal

    Accident records should typically be kept for at least 3 years, though some employers retain them longer for insurance and risk management purposes.

Where to find out more A collection of hand-picked useful resources for Accidents at work from impact HR and beyond