How to report and record an injury at work after an accident

Updated: 3 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

After an accident at work, it is essential to report and record your injury promptly, even if it seems minor. Doing so creates a formal record, protects your rights to sick pay and benefits, and provides strong evidence should you later make a compensation claim. This page explains your legal rights, what you should record, and how to respond if your employer refuses.

At a glance

  • You should always report and record any work accident, even if your injuries seem minor.
  • Accident records help protect your rights to sick pay, benefits and compensation.
  • Employers must keep an accident book and may also need to report serious injuries under RIDDOR.
  • Keeping your own record ensures you have evidence if you later decide to make a claim.

Why reporting your injury matters

Reporting an injury at work is not just a formality. It creates a written record that protects your health, safety and legal rights. Accident reports can:

  • Support a claim for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or other benefits.
  • Provide vital evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim.
  • Help your employer identify risks and prevent further accidents.

Report the accident and check the accident book entry is accurate. Ask for a copy. If it is RIDDOR reportable, note the reference. Clear records from day one can make a big difference to your claim.

John Kushnick

Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law

Recording in the accident book

Every workplace with 10 or more employees must keep an accident book. You should ensure your accident is recorded as soon as possible. The entry should include:

  • Your name and contact details.
  • Date, time and place of the accident.
  • A description of what happened.
  • Details of your injury.

You are entitled to see what has been written. If the details are inaccurate, ask for corrections.

See also: Can I claim if my work injury isn’t in the accident book?

RIDDOR reporting

Some accidents must also be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). This includes:

  • Fatal accidents.
  • Specified serious injuries, such as fractures (other than fingers and toes) or amputations.
  • Injuries that keep a worker off work for more than 7 days.
  • Certain occupational diseases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or occupational asthma.

It is your employer’s responsibility to make RIDDOR reports, but you can ask if this has been done.

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Keeping your own record

Even if your accident is recorded in the accident book, it is sensible to keep your own notes. Write down:

  • Exactly what happened and who was present.
  • Any symptoms or injuries you experienced.
  • The names of people you reported the accident to.

Keep copies of correspondence, medical letters, and receipts for travel or treatment. These records can support both benefit and compensation claims.

Read more: Checklist of things to do after a work accident

What if your employer refuses to record your accident?

Employers are legally required to keep proper accident records. If they refuse to record your injury, you should:

Next steps after reporting

Once your injury has been reported and recorded, your next priorities are:

  • Getting medical treatment and ensuring it is documented in your medical records.
  • Keeping track of expenses and losses related to your injury.
  • Speaking to a solicitor if you are considering a compensation claim.

Call now for free specialist advice

We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:

  • Advice that's right for your case
  • Check if you can claim
  • No Win, No Fee explained clearly

If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.

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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 October 2025 by Chris Salmon