Injured at work or in a public place: what should you record?

Report the incident accurately

At work, ask for the accident to be recorded using the employer’s normal reporting process. In a shop, venue or other premises, report it to the manager or responsible organisation and request the incident reference where one is available.

Keep your account factual. Note the time, location, what you observed and what happened immediately afterwards.

Identify the location and organisation

Record the precise part of the workplace, shop, path, pavement or venue where the incident occurred. Take photographs that show both the close detail and wider context where it is safe to do so.

Responsibility may sit with an employer, occupier, business, landlord, local authority, contractor or another organisation. You do not need to determine the legal position yourself before making an enquiry.

Preserve relevant information

Some information can be overwritten or conditions can change quickly. Relevant material may include:

• Photographs of the hazard, equipment and surrounding area
• Witness names and contact details
• Accident-book entries, incident reports or reference numbers
• Relevant instructions, training records or work messages in your possession
• Details of nearby CCTV and the organisation controlling it

Record the impact on you

Keep medical appointment information and evidence of treatment. Retain documents showing any loss of earnings, travel, medication or other expenses connected with the incident.

An accident does not automatically establish legal responsibility. The circumstances, reasonable safety measures, evidence and applicable legal duties all need to be considered.