Accident at work — HSE (Health and Safety Executive)

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. HSE (Health and Safety Executive) — RIDDOR / Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (0300 003 1647) is the accident insurer or fund for the UK; the employer must notify them, and you can too. Acas (0300 123 1100) investigates serious accidents and unsafe conditions; Your trade union (TUC) (tuc.org.uk) makes sure the claim is filed right and represents you if the employer disputes it.

Call firstHSE (Health and Safety Executive) — RIDDOR / Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Report toAcas

If that failsYour trade union (TUC)

🗣️ 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: HSE (Health and Safety Executive) — RIDDOR / Industrial Injuries Disablement 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: AcasThe inspectorate investigates serious accidents and can order changes; your report protects colleagues.

📇 All contacts

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) — RIDDOR / Industrial Injuries Disablement BenefitAccident reporting and investigation; injury benefit via DWPAfter any work accident📞 0300 003 1647 🔗 www.hse.gov.uk/riddor

AcasFree advice, early conciliation before a tribunalWithin 3 months less a day of the unpaid date📞 0300 123 1100 🔗 www.acas.org.uk

Your trade union (TUC)Advice and representationFor members; join first if you are not🔗 www.tuc.org.uk/join-union

NHS — register with a GP / NHS 111GP registration, NHS complaints (PALS)For finding a doctor and care questions📞 111 🔗 www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery

❓ Frequently asked

The employer says not to report it

That is illegal and it costs you cover. Report it yourself to HSE (Health and Safety Executive) — RIDDOR / Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit; the employer's refusal is itself reportable to Acas.

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 the UK”
“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 the UK

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · the UKElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in the UK, 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?