The workplace can present an array of hazards which can often cause danger to employees if certain risk assessments have not been carried out, or those in higher positions have not monitored where accidents could occur.

Regardless of whether these procedures have been carried out with efficiency, accidents are still very likely to happen and may range in severity from a simple cut, to broken bones, amputations and in even rare cases – fatalities. Thus, no matter where you work, your employer should be able to provide you with the right equipment and safety gear (such as cbrn gloves and gas masks) to evade any crisis situation without any major issue.

If you have been unfortunate enough to experience an accident or are looking to find out more if you’re worried it could happen to you, here’s all you need to know:

1. Reporting the accident

Regardless of your industry, accidents at work can occur; therefore, the employer should have already carried out a full risk assessment to determine how accidents can be avoided and where safety measures should be put in place to reduce obvious risks. If an accident does happen, they need to be declared to the Health and Safety Department of your local authority immediately so that the next steps can be taken.

2. Accidents need to be recorded
As soon as accidents occur, they need to be recorded within an accident book – no matter how minor the injury is. While this may seem like an extra hassle within your working day, doing so is of real benefit to the employee. In some cases, the after-effects of an injury may require them to take time off work later down the line or claim compensation as a result.

3. Receiving sick pay

In the instance of needing to take time off work as a result of injury, you will be entitled to obtain Statutory Sick Pay. Your employer may already have a scheme in place, or they may decide to pay you an extra sum on top of your usual wage, as a result of the accident.

4. Claiming compensation

If you have been injured at work and you believe that your accident is at the fault of your employer, you could be entitled to receiving thousands of pounds in compensation. Claims should be made within three years of the accident and you may need a lawyer to represent you.

Claims companies such as www.the-compensation-experts.co.uk are specialists in helping victims of accidents get the compensation they deserve. In most cases, victims have to weigh up the consequences of putting in a claim, as they are expected to pay legal fees and court costs which could leave them at a huge loss. Calling a compensation expert on the other hand, will ensure you are contracted to a ‘no win no fee’ condition, which means if you can’t claim any cash, you won’t have to pay out on legal fees.

5. Point out health and safety risks to your employer

Your employer should be aware of where the health and safety risks lie within the workplace, but if you believe that there are aspects which haven’t been covered, feel free to express your concerns.

If your opinions aren’t dealt with and you are concerned for the wellbeing of your colleagues, you can seek outside help, by calling the HSE (Health and Safety Executive for England) who will investigate the case for you.