Injury at Work UK - Employee Rights, Compensation and Employer Responsibilities 2026

Understand your rights after an injury at work, how workplace accident compensation claims work, employer responsibilities, sick pay entitlement and the steps to take following an accident in the UK.

An injury at work can have serious consequences for an employee's health, income and long-term financial security. Workplace accidents may result in temporary injuries, permanent disabilities, reduced earning capacity or the inability to continue working.

In the United Kingdom, employers have legal responsibilities to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by their operations.

Where an employee suffers an injury because an employer or another responsible party failed to meet the required standard of care, the injured person may be entitled to pursue compensation.

However, an injury occurring at work does not automatically mean that the employer is legally responsible.

Employees should understand how workplace injuries are reported, what evidence may support a claim and how sick pay and employment rights apply during recovery.

For people renting accommodation or paying a mortgage, a workplace injury can also create financial difficulties if income is interrupted.

Fraser Bond, a UK property agency and real estate consultancy, supports buyers, sellers, landlords and investors with residential property sales, lettings and property management across London and the wider UK.

This guide explains what to do after an injury at work, how compensation claims are assessed, relevant UK employment laws and the financial implications of workplace accidents.

What Is an Injury at Work?

An injury at work is a physical or psychological injury sustained in connection with employment or work-related activities.

Workplace injuries can occur in offices, construction sites, warehouses, retail premises, factories, hospitals, restaurants and other working environments.

They may result from sudden accidents, unsafe equipment, inadequate training, hazardous conditions or repeated exposure to harmful working practices.

Examples include:

• Slips, trips and falls.

• Falls from ladders, scaffolding or elevated platforms.

• Injuries caused by machinery.

• Manual handling and lifting injuries.

• Burns and electrical accidents.

• Workplace vehicle collisions.

• Injuries caused by falling objects.

• Repetitive strain injuries.

• Occupational illnesses caused by workplace exposure.

• Psychological injuries associated with qualifying workplace negligence.

Not every workplace injury gives rise to a successful compensation claim. Liability depends on the circumstances and applicable legal principles.

What Should You Do After an Injury at Work?

Taking appropriate action after a workplace accident can protect your health and help establish an accurate record of what happened.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health should be the immediate priority.

For serious injuries, obtain emergency medical assistance.

For less urgent injuries, seek appropriate medical advice and ensure that symptoms are recorded.

Medical records may later provide important evidence of the nature and severity of the injury.

2. Report the Accident to Your Employer

Notify your manager, supervisor or designated health and safety representative as soon as reasonably possible.

Explain where the incident occurred, what happened and whether anyone witnessed it.

3. Record the Incident

Where an accident book or workplace reporting system is available, ensure that the incident is recorded accurately.

Keep a copy of the report where possible.

4. Collect Relevant Evidence

Evidence may include photographs of the accident location, details of unsafe equipment, witness contact information and relevant workplace correspondence.

Only gather evidence where it is safe and lawful to do so.

5. Keep Financial Records

Retain documents showing lost earnings, medical expenses, travel costs and other losses associated with the injury.

These may be relevant if you later pursue compensation.

6. Understand Your Employment Rights

Check your employment contract and workplace sickness absence policy.

You may qualify for Statutory Sick Pay, contractual sick pay or other financial support.

7. Seek Independent Legal Advice

If you believe the accident resulted from negligence, a qualified personal injury solicitor can assess whether you have grounds for a claim.

Can You Claim Compensation for an Injury at Work?

Yes, where the legal requirements for a claim are satisfied.

A successful workplace injury claim generally requires evidence that:

1. The employer or another responsible party owed you a duty of care.

2. That duty was breached.

3. The breach caused or materially contributed to the injury.

4. You suffered legally recoverable harm or financial loss.

An employer is not automatically liable for every accident simply because it happened during working hours.

Employer Responsibilities for Workplace Injuries

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have duties to protect employees' health, safety and welfare so far as is reasonably practicable.

Relevant responsibilities include providing safe systems of work, appropriate training, suitable equipment and adequate supervision.

Employers must also assess and manage relevant workplace risks.

Other legislation, including the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, may apply.

Failure to comply with health and safety duties can lead to regulatory enforcement. Whether an injured employee can recover civil compensation requires a separate legal assessment.

Common Types of Workplace Injury Claims

Slips, Trips and Falls

Employees may suffer injuries because of wet floors, uneven surfaces, trailing cables or inadequate lighting.

A claim may arise where reasonable precautions were not taken to manage foreseeable risks.

Manual Handling Injuries

Lifting, carrying or moving heavy objects can cause back injuries, muscle damage and other physical conditions.

Employers must assess relevant manual handling risks and take appropriate steps to reduce them.

Construction Site Injuries

Construction workers may face risks involving scaffolding, excavations, machinery, electrical systems and falling objects.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 establish important responsibilities for managing construction health and safety.

Machinery Accidents

Unsafe or poorly maintained machinery may cause crushing injuries, cuts or amputations.

Employers must comply with applicable work equipment safety requirements.

Workplace Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving forklifts, delivery vehicles or other workplace transport may result in serious injuries.

Responsibility depends on the circumstances, including vehicle operation, training and workplace traffic management.

Occupational Illnesses

Some work-related conditions develop gradually.

Examples include occupational asthma, certain industrial diseases and repetitive strain injuries.

Claims involving long-term exposure may raise additional questions about causation and limitation periods.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for an Injury at Work?

Compensation depends on the injury, its effects and the financial losses established by the evidence.

There is no fixed payment for every type of workplace accident.

Compensation is generally divided into two broad categories.

General Damages

General damages compensate for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

The amount depends on factors such as injury severity, recovery time, long-term symptoms and the effect on daily life.

Special Damages

Special damages cover qualifying financial losses caused by the injury.

These may include:

• Lost earnings.

• Future loss of earning capacity.

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses.

• Travel expenses.

• Care and assistance costs.

• Certain accommodation or equipment costs.

• Other reasonable and provable financial losses.

The Judicial College Guidelines may be used to assist with assessing general damages in England and Wales, but they do not establish automatic compensation awards.

How Long Do You Have to Claim for an Injury at Work?

In England and Wales, the usual limitation period for a personal injury claim is three years.

The period generally runs from the date of the injury or the relevant date of knowledge.

Different rules may apply to children, people who lack litigation capacity and certain other circumstances.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own limitation legislation.

It is advisable to seek legal advice promptly rather than wait until the deadline approaches.

Do You Get Paid If You Are Injured at Work?

Being injured at work does not automatically entitle an employee to full wages during their absence.

Payment depends on the employment contract, workplace policies and statutory entitlements.

Some employers provide occupational sick pay.

Others pay only Statutory Sick Pay where the employee qualifies.

Additional financial support may be available depending on the circumstances.

Statutory Sick Pay After an Injury at Work

For the 2026–27 tax year, Statutory Sick Pay is generally payable at the lower of:

• £123.25 per week.

• 80% of the employee's average weekly earnings.

Following reforms effective from April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is payable from the first full day of qualifying sickness absence, rather than after the former waiting period.

Eligibility and payment arrangements remain subject to the applicable statutory rules.

Employees should also check whether their employer offers contractual sick pay above the statutory minimum.

Can You Be Dismissed After an Injury at Work?

An employer cannot lawfully dismiss an employee simply for asserting certain statutory health and safety rights.

Employees may have protection against unfair dismissal or detriment in qualifying circumstances.

However, an injury does not create absolute protection against dismissal.

For example, long-term incapacity may sometimes give rise to a lawful capability process, provided the employer follows the relevant requirements.

Where a disability is involved, obligations under the Equality Act 2010 may also apply.

Can You Claim Compensation If the Accident Was Partly Your Fault?

Possibly.

A workplace injury claim may still succeed where the employer was negligent but the employee also contributed to the accident.

This is known as contributory negligence.

The court may reduce compensation to reflect the employee's share of responsibility.

The outcome depends on the facts and evidence.

Can Agency Workers Claim for Injuries at Work?

Yes, potentially.

Agency workers may have legal rights against the organisation responsible for the unsafe working conditions.

Depending on the circumstances, liability may involve the agency, the business where the work was performed or another party.

A solicitor can help identify the appropriate defendant.

Can Self-Employed Workers Claim for Workplace Injuries?

Self-employed workers may have grounds to claim compensation where another party's negligence caused their injuries.

For example, a self-employed contractor injured by unsafe site conditions may have a claim against a party responsible for those conditions.

However, employment status and the relevant duties require careful assessment.

Can You Claim for an Injury at Work Without Witnesses?

Yes.

Witness evidence can be useful, but it is not always essential.

Medical records, photographs, accident reports, CCTV footage and other documents may help establish what happened.

The absence of witnesses does not automatically prevent a claim.

Do Employers Have to Report Workplace Injuries?

Certain workplace accidents and injuries must be reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, commonly known as RIDDOR.

Reportable incidents can include specified injuries, certain occupational diseases and injuries that prevent a worker from performing normal work duties for more than seven consecutive days.

For an over-seven-day incapacitation injury, the employer must generally submit the RIDDOR report within 15 days of the accident.

Not every minor workplace accident requires a RIDDOR report.

What Happens If Your Employer Does Not Report the Accident?

Failure to make a required report may constitute a breach of health and safety legislation.

Employees should ensure the incident is recorded internally and raise concerns with the appropriate manager or safety representative.

Where necessary, concerns may be reported to the Health and Safety Executive or relevant enforcing authority.

A failure to report does not automatically prove civil liability, but it may be relevant to the wider circumstances.

Injury at Work and Employers' Liability Insurance

Most employers in Great Britain are legally required to maintain employers' liability insurance, subject to exemptions.

The insurance is intended to cover qualifying compensation liabilities arising from employee injuries or illnesses connected with work.

The usual minimum level of cover is £5 million.

Where a valid claim is made, the insurer may handle the compensation process on behalf of the employer.

Can You Make an Injury at Work Claim After Leaving Your Job?

Yes, potentially.

Leaving employment does not automatically prevent someone from pursuing a workplace injury claim.

The claim must still satisfy the applicable legal requirements and limitation period.

Evidence may become harder to obtain over time, so early action is advisable.

Injury at Work and Mortgage Payments

A workplace injury can affect homeowners if reduced income makes mortgage repayments difficult.

Borrowers should contact their mortgage lender promptly if they anticipate payment problems.

Depending on the circumstances, possible options may include temporary payment arrangements or other forms of lender assistance.

Any changes to mortgage terms should be considered carefully because they may affect the total cost of borrowing.

Injury at Work and Renting a Property

Tenants may experience financial pressure when an injury prevents them from working.

Rent remains payable under the tenancy agreement unless a lawful arrangement changes that obligation.

If income is interrupted, tenants should contact their landlord or managing agent as soon as possible.

They may also need to investigate Universal Credit, other eligible benefits or independent debt advice.

Injury at Work and Long-Term Disability

Some workplace injuries result in lasting disabilities.

This may create a need for accessible accommodation, adapted bathrooms, step-free access or other property modifications.

Homeowners and tenants may be able to investigate disability-related housing assistance, including Disabled Facilities Grants where eligible.

The suitability of a property may become an important consideration when planning long-term recovery and independence.

How to Choose an Injury at Work Solicitor

A qualified personal injury solicitor can explain the legal basis of a potential claim.

Before instructing a solicitor, consider their relevant experience, fee arrangements and approach to gathering evidence.

Some claims are handled under conditional fee agreements, often called no-win-no-fee agreements.

However, such arrangements are not necessarily free of all potential costs.

Applicants should understand deductions, insurance arrangements and possible liabilities before signing an agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Injury at Work

Can I claim compensation if I am injured at work?

Yes, where the injury resulted from a legally actionable breach of duty and the other requirements for a claim are satisfied.

How much compensation can I get for an injury at work?

The amount depends on the injury, its long-term effects and proven financial losses.

Do I get full pay if I am injured at work?

Not automatically. Your entitlement depends on contractual sick pay and statutory provisions.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In England and Wales, the usual limitation period is three years, subject to exceptions.

Can my employer dismiss me after a workplace injury?

Dismissal may be unlawful in certain circumstances, but an injury does not provide absolute protection against dismissal.

Can I claim if the accident was my fault?

Possibly, if another party was also legally responsible. Compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence.

Can I claim if I am an agency worker?

Yes, potentially, depending on who owed the relevant duty and caused the injury.

Can I claim if I am self-employed?

Yes, where another party's negligence gives rise to a valid claim.

Does my employer have to report my injury?

Certain injuries and incidents must be reported under RIDDOR.

Can I claim without an accident book entry?

Yes, although other evidence may be needed to establish the circumstances.

Can I claim after leaving my employer?

Yes, provided the claim meets the applicable legal requirements and limitation period.

Can I receive sick pay and compensation?

Potentially. Sick pay and personal injury compens