Accident at work — Department of Social Protection

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. Department of Social Protection — Occupational Injury Benefit (0818 927 770) is the accident insurer or fund for Ireland; the employer must notify them, and you can too. Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) (0818 80 80 90) investigates serious accidents and unsafe conditions; Your trade union (ICTU) (ictu.ie) makes sure the claim is filed right and represents you if the employer disputes it.

Call firstDepartment of Social Protection — Occupational Injury Benefit

Report toWorkplace Relations Commission (WRC)

If that failsYour trade union (ICTU)

🗣️ 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: Department of Social Protection — Occupational Injury BenefitThe 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: Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)The inspectorate investigates serious accidents and can order changes; your report protects colleagues.

📇 All contacts

Department of Social Protection — Occupational Injury BenefitInjury benefit after a work accident; PIAB for compensationAfter any work accident📞 0818 927 770 🔗 www.gov.ie/en/service/f8c9d5-injury-benefit

Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)Complaints under the Payment of Wages Act, inspections, adjudicationWithin 6 months of the unpaid date📞 0818 80 80 90 🔗 www.workplacerelations.ie

Your trade union (ICTU)Advice and representationFor members; join first if you are not🔗 www.ictu.ie

HSE — GP visit card / medical card, GP finderFinding a GP, medical card, HSE complaints (Your Service Your Say)For finding a doctor and coverage questions📞 1800 700 700 🔗 www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp

❓ Frequently asked

The employer says not to report it

That is illegal and it costs you cover. Report it yourself to Department of Social Protection — Occupational Injury Benefit; the employer's refusal is itself reportable to Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

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

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