How to Report an Accident at Work: What You Need to Know

If you've been injured on the job, you may be wondering: how to report an accident at work? This is one of the most commonly searched questions on Google—and for good reason. The steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days after an accident can directly impact whether your claim succeeds or fails. Let’s break it down simply and clearly, so you know exactly what to do.

Why Reporting an Accident at Work Matters

Reporting an accident at work isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about creating a clear, accurate record that reflects what really happened. Your report can later become key evidence if your employer or their insurers try to argue the accident was your fault.

5 Essentials for Reporting an Accident at Work

1. Report it As Soon As Possible

Timing matters. Delays in reporting can be used against you. Even if you’re in pain or feeling shaken, try to notify your manager or supervisor right away—preferably the same day.

2. Be As Accurate As Possible

Stick to the facts and avoid speculating. If you're unsure about something, it's okay to say so. Accuracy builds credibility, especially if your account is later scrutinised by insurers or in court.

3. Put It In Writing (Include Dates and Times)

Always ensure there’s a written record—whether that’s an accident book entry, an email to your manager or even a WhatsApp message or text message. Include the date and time of the accident, when you reported it, and any other time-specific details that are relevant.

4. Describe the Hazard that Caused the Event

Don’t just say you ‘fell’—explain what caused it. Was the floor slippery? Was equipment defective? Specific hazards are often where liability is won or lost.

5. State What Injuries You Sustained and What Medical Attention You’ve Had

Make a note of the injuries, no matter how minor they seem at first. Also record whether you went to A&E, saw your GP, or used over-the-counter medication. Medical evidence is crucial later.

Real Case: Mr C’s Ladder Fall and a £40,000 Outcome

Mr C was employed by a company that cleared floodwater using industrial suction hoses. Part of his job involved climbing a wall-mounted ladder with a coiled hose to store it above a unit. The ladder was fastened with rope. One day, the rope came loose as he climbed—causing him to fall backwards about three feet and land on a heavy brass pump. He injured his coccyx and lower back.

When reporting the incident, Mr C wrote that the ladder 'may have been wet from the hose'—a point the employer later seized on to argue it was his own fault.

Chris Hutchinson of Inson Legal acted on a No Win No Fee basis and challenged this argument head-on. The claim was reframed around the key issue: the loose ladder. And even if it was wet, that was part of Mr C’s job—something he had been trained to do. The case settled for £40,000, with £6,000 deducted due to DWP benefit repayments.

As a result of the claim, the employer changed how hoses were stored—removing the need for ladders entirely and making the workplace safer for everyone.

Why a Robust Solicitor Matters

Knowing how to report an accident at work is just the beginning. You also need someone who can interpret the facts and fight your corner. Insurance companies often look for any excuse to deny liability or imply you are not a credible witness.

You have to rmember these are money claims and the insurance companies want to pay as little as possible. Having a solicitor like Chris Hutchinson in your corner means those excuses won’t go unchallenged.

Got Questions About How to Report an Accident at Work?

Whether it happened today or last week, if you're wondering how to report an accident at work or whether you’ve done it right, feel free to call Chris Hutchinson directly. No forms, no call sentres, no unknown numbers and receptionists —just an honest conversation with someone who genuinely wants to help.