Accidents at work

What are work accidents?

 

The definition of a work accident can differ between countries, governing bodies and industries, but generally, a work accident can be defined as any bodily injuries caused as a result of the work they perform. Hence, for an accident to be considered a ‘work accident’, the following should apply:

The worker suffers an injury (wound, blow or illness). The accident is due to work, and there is a direct causal relationship between work and the injury (i.e. the injury by itself does not make it a work accident).

 

 

The following are generally considered work accidents:

Accidents suffered when going or returning from work. Accidents suffered when performing a regular task at work during working hours. Accidents suffered when performing irregular tasks, but which have been requested by the employer. Illnesses contracted due to their job, but this must be proven. Diseases or conditions previously suffered, but have been made worse or aggravated by an accident at work.

However, the following generally are not considered work accidents:

Accidents caused by external, major events not related to work (e.g. terrorist attacks or natural disasters). Accidents caused by the recklessness of a worker. Accidents caused by another worker that are not related to work (e.g. fights or pranks between workers that result in injury). Accidents suffered as a result of intentional crimes being committed.

 

What happens after an accident at work?

 

Following a work accident, the general response may include:

First aid by a trained first aider (this is often a number of elected volunteers within the workforce) Any necessary emergency services being called out Logging of the accident and how it occurred Notifying any relevant trade unions An investigation by a third party of the accident