When it comes to workplace safety in the UK, accident books are critically important tools. All workplaces should have one as it serves as a record-keeper, ensuring incidents and personal injuries are tracked correctly — which can help protect employee rights and prevent future accidents from occurring.
But when is an organisation legally required to have an accident book? In this guide, we’ll explain the laws around accident books, why it’s so important for workplaces to keep and use an accident book, the role they play in managing legal obligations and how they help maintain safety standards.
What are the legal requirements for accident books?
According to the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979 and the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, the UK has several pieces of legislation that details which businesses legally require accident books.
Under the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979, any organisation with 10 or more employees must keep an accident book. This regulation was put in place to make sure that all workplace accidents, no matter how severe, are recorded accurately. This record can serve as an important reference point if an accident has occurred in the workplace and leads to a personal injury claim. When such an accident happens, the relevant business must keep hold of these records for at least three years — this is because it lines up with the time limit of personal injury claims in the UK.
Another key piece of legislation is the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, which sets the rules for reporting workplace incidents. Under RIDDOR, all employers must record and report specific injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences that could affect the safety of employees. The easiest way to stay on top of RIDDOR demands is by keeping an organised and well maintained accident book.
Why accident books are essential for personal injury claims
Workplace personal injury claims rely on every piece of evidence they can get. An accident book can serve as an essential starting point for any case as it should detail exactly what happened, when it happened, and the severity of the situation.
As well as serving as evidence, a well maintained accident book can help to establish fault in a personal injury case. Inadequate or incomplete documentation of an accident could lead to challenges later on when proving the facts of the case — which could throw off a successful claim completely.
What happens if an organisation doesn’t have an accident book?
If your workplace doesn’t keep an accident book, your employer could face a whole host of legal consequences — particularly under health and safety regulations. Non-compliance with legal requirements like RIDDOR could lead to significant penalties, including fines and legal actions.
As an employee, without an accident book in your place of work, it may be more difficult to make a successful personal injury claim if the worst happens and an accident has affected you. Without a filled-out and accurate accident book to support you with evidence, you’ll have to rely on other methods to prove fault, such as medical reports or eye-witness testimony.
What steps should an employee take after a workplace accident?
If you’ve been unfortunate enough to be the victim of a workplace accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. However, bear in mind that there are a few steps you should take to protect your rights, especially if you intend to take legal action:
- Report — Notify your employer of the accident as soon as you can. They should record this immediately and ask you for details to properly fill out the entry in their accident book.
- Record — Make sure that your employer has recorded the incident with accuracy. If you aren’t 100% sure they did this, request a written copy of the report to check.
- Document — Take pictures and videos of the site of the accident and your injuries so you have them in perpetuity if your injuries fade.
- Notify — If the incident is reportable under RIDDOR, the HSE must be notified. If your employer fails to do so, you could report them.
- Get in touch — Talk to Injury Lawyers 4U to take the next step and bring legal action against your employer for negligence.
How can Injury Lawyers 4U help with workplace accident claims?
Understanding when a business is legally required to have an accident book is important for both employers and employees. It helps employers to comply with legal requirements, but also provides employees with an essential foundation for personal injury claims. By ensuring accidents are accurately documented, whichever party you’re part of will, your rights are protected.
At Injury Lawyers 4U, we have decades of experience with personal injury claims, especially when it comes to workplace accidents. We’ll help you to gather evidence, negotiate with your insurers and fight your battles, even if the case progresses to the courtroom.
What’s more, we offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee when we take on your case. That means we’ll only charge you for our services if your claim is successful. So, for a free consultation, get in touch today and see how we can help.