Research finds 1 in 5 non-desk based workers in the UK have taken time off work due to workplace injury

New research reveals that almost 1 in 5 (18%) non-desk based workers have taken time off for a work-related injury, with the majority (90%) saying they were out of work for up to 2 weeks as a result.

Experiencing a workplace injury can be a challenging ordeal, especially if it’s one that causes you to take time off work.

According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data, almost two million workers in the UK reported suffering from work-related ill health in 2022/23, with 561,000 people self-reporting a non-serious injury.

To aid workers navigate processes around workplace injuries, the workplace safety experts at Altro have outlined their 5 key tips to ensure that workers are adequately supported, and protected:

Report the incident

After having an accident at work, it’s important to make any managers, or senior colleagues aware. This ensures that the incident is recorded with anyone who may need to know, and you can get time to check yourself for any injuries without just leaving work unannounced.

Additionally, it helps to ensure the manager can make any appropriate changes to the environment, to stop any further accidents.

Failing to report a workplace accidently promptly also puts you at risk of jeopardising any personal claims you may make, and you could potentially lose credibility. 

Whereas on the other hand, if your employer fails to report the accident, they can risk a fine of up to £20,000.

Seek professional guidance if required

Sometimes our injuries are more than just simple bumps or bruises, and if you want to make a claim, it’s important to seek professional guidance.

Search for a trusted solicitor who can help with this, and follow any necessary steps to help your case.

Some well-known UK solicitors specialising in workplace accidents include Injury Lawyers 4U, Irwin Mitchell, and Slater and Gordon Lawyers UK.

Seek medical assistance

It is crucial to seek medical assistance promptly after an accident. Sometimes our injuries can’t be seen on the outside, so getting yourself checked is vital to ensure your health and wellbeing.

If you have first-aiders at work, approach them for help, or visit your local hospital, or GP, in more serious cases for appropriate medical care suited to your needs.

Document the incident in the accident book at work

Every workplace should have an accident book, especially if you have more than 10 employees working in one location.

It’s important to log this here as it means you have a recorded account of the accident, and senior employees can check this if necessary when going back through reports.

Ask for witness statements and take photos

If you’re planning on making a claim, collecting evidence is vital, and can help to support your account of the injury.

Ask any witnesses for statements detailing the accident, and take photos and videos of the environment in which the injury occurred. 

If you’re going to be out of work, ask a trusted colleague to help with this to ensure everything is documented.

Sarah de los Rios, Sales and Marketing Director at Altro comments on the importance of recording any workplace injuries, and discusses what employers can do to prevent any issues when they occur: “Workplace injuries aren’t uncommon, but there are key things employers and employees can do to stop a potentially endless cycle.

“As an employer, you have a duty to protect your staff, so If an accident has occurred in your workplace, ensure you take all necessary steps to right any wrongs, such as removing any hazards.

“It’s vital to support any colleagues during a workplace injury, after all, you want your staff to feel safe at work, without any health and safety issues.

“At Altro, we have a Zero Harm policy to ensure that our vision for safe flooring solutions is clear.

“By being proactive and present, we take ownership of responsibility for safety and have a drive to diminish any hazards and risks where possible when it comes to safety flooring.

“We feel passionately about safety for ourselves and others, and employers and businesses need to do all that they can to ensure the safety of their staff.”

*Provided by Altro