What to do if your employer refuses to record your accident

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 12, 2025

Employers in the UK are legally required to record workplace accidents. This record provides important evidence if you later need to claim sick pay, benefits, or compensation. But what happens if your employer refuses to record the accident?

At a glance

Employers must keep an accident book under UK health and safety law.
Accident reports are essential evidence for sick pay and compensation claims.
You can record the details yourself and ask a colleague to act as a witness.
If your employer refuses, you can escalate to the HSE or local authority.

Why accident reporting is important

Recording an accident protects both you and your employer. It helps ensure health and safety risks are managed and provides a clear record if you later make a work injury claim. Accident books are required by the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979.

Steps to take if your employer refuses

Write it down yourself: Note the date, time, location, what happened, and your injuries. Keep this record safe.
Ask witnesses: If colleagues saw the accident, ask them to write statements or confirm the details.
Email your employer: Send an email summarising what happened. This creates a time-stamped record.
Report externally if necessary: If the injury is serious or your employer continues to ignore the issue, you can report the matter to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or your local authority.

Link with sick pay and benefits

An accident record may be required if you need to claim Statutory Sick Pay or other benefits such as Universal Credit. Without a written report, your claim could be harder to prove.

Making a personal injury claim

If you later pursue compensation, your solicitor will ask for evidence of the accident. If your employer refused to record it, your own notes, witness statements, and medical records will become even more important. A solicitor can still build a strong case if you have kept clear records.

Real-world example

A delivery driver slipped on an unsafe loading bay and reported the incident to his manager, who refused to log it in the accident book. The driver wrote a detailed email to his employer and asked a colleague who witnessed the accident to confirm the details. Months later, when the driver made a compensation claim, this evidence was critical in proving his case despite the employer’s refusal.

External references

HSE: RIDDOR - explains the legal duty to record and report workplace injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.
HSE: Reportable incidents - lists which workplace accidents and injuries must be formally reported under RIDDOR.
HSE: Managing risks and risk assessment - how employers must assess and record workplace risks.
ACAS: Raising grievances - how to challenge your employer if they fail to follow proper procedures.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

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