The government’s Health & Safety Executive says: "All workers are entitled to work in environments where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled".

Under health and safety law, the primary responsibility for this is down to employers. They must:

  • Assess risks and take steps to minimise them

  • Explain these risks and who is responsible for their management

  • Train you in your role – free of charge

  • Provide equipment and protection, and maintain it – free of charge

  • Provide toilets, basins and drinking water

  • Provide adequate first aid supplies

  • Display an appropriate, up-to-date insurance certificate where you can read it.

If you’re worried about any of these aspects, the HSE advises you talk to your supervisor, employer or health & safety representative first.

For concerns regarding fire, your fire officer or local Fire and Rescue Service can help.

If talking to your employer doesn't help, the next step is to contact your local enforcing authority.

As we all know, prevention is better than cure, but if you are injured or made ill by work, there are clear procedures to follow.

Keep a record and follow procedures

Any workplace with 10 employees or more – or any size mine, quarry or factory – is required by law to have an accident book.

Make sure your accident is recorded. If there’s no book, write a brief description of your accident and injuries and send a copy to your employer. Keep one for yourself.

Employers are further required to report deaths, major injuries (such as broken limbs, crushing or serious burns), diseases, and near misses to the authorities.

These fall under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.

Any accident that keeps a worker off for seven days or more qualifies for RIDDOR too, so if that fits your accident, make sure it’s been reported properly.

Cancers with clear work links – such as exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or radiation – must also be reported once diagnosed.

RIDDOR reports should be filed online within 15 days, though certain injuries (HSE supply a list) or fatal accidents should be reported via 0845 300 9923 within ten days.

Make a claim

If your employer has failed to follow the guidelines and you’ve suffered as a result, it shouldn’t be you that pays. You could have a claim for compensation.

If you have been hurt or make sick by work, you should talk to a qualified lawyer immediately. They will help you redress the balance.