An accident book is a legally required record that logs workplace injuries, illnesses and near misses. It can help initiate new safety procedures and is a vital tool that documents what happened, when, where and who was involved in workplace accidents.
So, when is an organisation legally required to have an accident book? In this guide, we’ll look at the law around accident books, how it relates to RIDDOR compliance and how it can be a key part of a workplace injury claim.
What are the legal requirements for accident books?
There are two main pieces of legislation that focus on accident books in the UK; RIDDOR and the Social Security Regulations:
RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013)
RIDDOR requires employers to formally report serious incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This includes:
- Deaths
- Serious injuries
- Industrial diseases
- Gas leaks
- Equipment failures
An up-to-date accident book will help your employer comply with RIDDOR, providing essential information for deciding whether an incident is reportable or not.
The Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979
Under the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979, all UK employers with 10 or more employees are legally required to maintain an accident book. These records must be easily accessible to employees and retained for at least three years from the date of the incident
This regulation is in place to make sure employees can access financial support through statutory sick pay and other entitlements in the event of injury.
Why accident books are essential for personal injury claims
If you’ve been hurt at work, your workplace accident book can be one of the most important pieces of evidence to support a personal injury case. It should provide:
- The time, date, location and individuals involved in the accident.
- Details of the injuries or illness caused, including initial symptoms or conditions.
- Contributing factors like faulty equipment, wet floors or lack of safety measures.
Having accurate health and safety accident records will protect your rights as an employee and will also help your employer by demonstrating their efforts to address risks responsibly. However, without an entry in the accident book, your claim could face delays or challenges, especially if there are disputes over what happened.
What happens if an organisation doesn’t have an accident book?
When it comes to accident book requirements, UK law states that it is illegal for a company to not have one. If your employer fails to keep an accident book, they may be in breach of UK health and safety laws and could face these consequences:
- Fines or legal sanctions under health and safety regulations
- Greater exposure to liability in injury claims
- Damage to reputation and employee trust
If you discover that your workplace has no accident book, you can still protect your rights by reporting the accident in writing and collecting evidence of your own, like photos and witness statements. If you aim to make a personal injury claim, workplace accident reporting will assist you.
What steps should an employee take after a workplace accident?
If you’ve been injured at work, follow these simple steps to secure your safety and evidence for a possible future workplace claim:
- Report the accident immediately to your manager or supervisor.
- Make sure the accident is recorded in the accident book, or write a detailed report yourself if one is not available.
- Take videos or pictures of the accident scene as potential evidence.
- Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries – and make sure to ask for the medical record.
- Notify the HSE if it’s a RIDDOR-reportable event.
- Get in touch with Express Solicitors to explore your rights and make a claim.
How can Express Solicitors help with workplace accident claims?
Workplace injury claims are more common than you might think. That’s why having an accident book is so essential. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to be injured at work, you might have a claim on your hands.
That’s where Express Solicitors come in. We have over two decades of experience in injury law and will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve. Whether your injury was minor or life-altering, our team is here to help.
Get in touch online or call us on 0161 516 6272 for expert advice or to start a claim.