Hurt at work

When someone is hurt at work, a few things follow, from first aid on the day to time off and, sometimes, a report to the authorities.

First aid on the day

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) puts the first duty on the employer, who must make sure that a hurt or unwell employee gets help straight away. HSE adds that this covers every workplace, and people who work for themselves.

HSE says an employer must have a first aid kit stocked to suit the work and someone appointed to take charge of first aid. The employer must also tell every employee how first aid is arranged.

Time off

The NHS says a person might need a fit note if they are unwell and cannot work for more than 7 days, counting weekends and bank holidays.

GOV.UK says Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is paid by the employer for up to 28 weeks. To qualify, a person must be classed as an employee, have done some work for that employer, and have been ill for at least one full working day.

GOV.UK says the employee must usually tell the employer before the employer's own deadline, or within 7 days if there isn't one.

Acas says an employer must pay SSP as a minimum to an eligible worker. Some employers pay more under the contract, and this is sometimes called company or occupational sick pay.

If the injury lasts

GOV.UK says a person might get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) if they became ill or disabled because of an accident or disease at work, or on an approved employment training scheme or course. The amount depends on each person's circumstances.

GOV.UK also says: "You cannot claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit if you were self-employed."

What the employer must record and report

Some injuries must be reported to the enforcing authority, which is HSE or the local authority, under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). HSE's list includes fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes, and serious burns, such as those covering more than 10% of the body.

HSE says a specified injury, such as a fracture, must be reported without delay, and the enforcing authority must receive the report within 10 days.

HSE says an accident that keeps a worker off work, or unable to do their normal duties, for more than 7 days in a row must be reported within 15 days of the accident. The 7 days include weekends and rest days, but not the day of the accident. One that lasts more than 3 days in a row must be recorded, and HSE says an entry in the accident book is enough for that.

HSE says a record must be kept of every reportable injury, including the over-7-day ones.

HSE asks the employer, not the injured worker, to make the report. Some self-employed people report their own, and any worker can tell HSE about an accident at work.

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