Accident at work — ZUS · Poland

Direct answer

Report it to the employer the same day, in writing, and see a doctor stating it was a work accident — that label opens the accident-insurance route, which pays treatment, wages and, for lasting injury, a pension, without proving anyone's fault. ZUS — wypadek przy pracy / PIP (22 560 16 00) is the accident insurer or fund for Poland; the employer must notify them, and you can too. Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP) (801 002 006) investigates serious accidents and unsafe conditions; Związek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ) (solidarnosc.org.pl) makes sure the claim is filed right and represents you if the employer disputes it.

Call firstZUS — wypadek przy pracy / PIP

Report toPaństwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP)

If that failsZwiązek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ)

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] at [time] I had an accident at [place] while [task]: [what happened, injuries]. Witnesses: [names]. I ask you to record it as a work accident and notify the accident insurer today, and to send me a copy of the report."

🪜 Step by step

Doctor, same daySay it happened at work. The medical record with that sentence is the basis of everything.
Report to the employer in writingEven for "small" injuries — the ones that get worse are the ones nobody reported.
Check the notification: ZUS — wypadek przy pracy / PIPThe employer must notify within days; if they do not, notify the insurer yourself with the medical report.
Witnesses and photosThe scene, the equipment, the missing guard. Before it is "fixed".
Serious or unsafe: Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP)The inspectorate investigates serious accidents and can order changes; your report protects colleagues.

📇 All contacts

ZUS — wypadek przy pracy / PIPAccident report, accident benefitsAfter any work accident📞 22 560 16 00 🔗 www.zus.pl

Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP)Complaint, inspection, order to pay wagesAs soon as the wages are late📞 801 002 006 🔗 www.pip.gov.pl

Związek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ)Advice and representation at the labour courtFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.solidarnosc.org.pl

NFZ — Telefoniczna Informacja Pacjenta 800 190 590Choosing a GP, entitlements, complaintsFor finding a doctor and coverage questions📞 800 190 590 🔗 www.nfz.gov.pl

❓ Frequently asked

The employer says not to report it

That is illegal and it costs you cover. Report it yourself to ZUS — wypadek przy pracy / PIP; the employer's refusal is itself reportable to Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP).

What if it was my own mistake?

Accident insurance is no-fault: you are covered regardless. Only deliberate self-harm or gross drunkenness is excluded.

Accident on the way to work?

Commuting accidents are covered in most EU countries on the direct route. Report it the same way.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“accident at work report Poland”
“work accident insurance claim”
“employer refuses to report accident”
“injured at work what am i owed”
“commuting accident covered”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

Your tools for Poland

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · PolandElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in Poland, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.

🩹 I had an accident at work — who do I report it to, and what am I owed?