Insight from an HR consultant in Sheffield on the practical steps you must follow after an injury at work.
It is easy to assume a workplace injury is dealt with once first aid has been given. Many business owners think the situation is sorted as soon as the injured person is looked after. That assumption is where problems often begin.
First aid is essential, but it is only the first step. There are clear follow-up actions employers are expected to take. Doing nothing, or handling the next steps badly, can leave you exposed to negligence claims, enforcement action, and repeat safety issues. This is where HR consultancy services in Sheffield often help employers avoid costly mistakes.This article sets out the practical steps to take after a workplace injury, beyond first aid, and explains why each one matters.
1. Make it safe
Make sure the injured person receives first aid or medical treatment.
Secure the area so no one else is put at risk.Tell nearby staff about any remaining hazards so they can avoid them.
Call emergency services immediately if the injury is serious.
Takeaway: acting quickly to protect people reduces the risk of further harm and wider consequences.
2. Record the details
Create a written record as soon as possible. This should include:
date, time, and location
a clear description of what happened
who was involved
any witnesses
photos or other evidence, if helpful
Why this helps: accurate records support investigations, insurance claims, and future prevention.
3. Check RIDDOR reporting
Some injuries or incidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR. Examples include:
serious injuries such as fractures, excluding fingers or toes
loss of consciousness
dangerous occurrences with serious potential consequences
injuries leading to more than seven days’ absence from work
If you are unsure whether something is reportable, check the guidance or get advice. Reporting when required is part of managing risk properly.
4. Investigate the cause
The aim of an investigation is to understand what happened and why, not to assign blame. Look at practical factors such as:
the task being carried out
any equipment involved
training and competence records
the working environment
whether agreed procedures were followed
A fair, fact-based investigation helps you identify issues that can be fixed.
5. Support the injured employee
What you do next affects recovery and morale. Simple but important steps include:
staying in touch while the employee is off work
agreeing a phased return where appropriate
temporarily adjusting duties if needed
reviewing relevant risk assessments
Good support helps people recover and reduces the risk of further problems.
6. Prevent it happening again
Once the cause is clear, take practical action. This may involve:
updating risk assessments
refreshing or improving training
repairing or replacing equipment
changing how tasks are carried out
reinforcing safe working practices with the team
Make sure changes are clearly communicated so everyone understands what has changed and why.
7. Update your records
Check that your records and policies reflect what you have learned. This may include updating:
the accident book
your health and safety policy
training records
risk assessments
maintenance logs
When to get help
Every incident is different. If you are unsure about reporting duties, investigations, or managing a return to work, getting advice early can prevent bigger problems later.
How an HR consultant helps
An HR consultant can:
guide you through incident handling step by step
support or run the investigation and prepare clear records
help update risk assessments, procedures, and training
advise on return-to-work plans and adjustments
If you want to sense-check an incident or strengthen your post-incident process, I can help as an outsourced HR consultant in Sheffield. A short, confidential call can help you confirm the right next steps.
We cover the whole of England.
Areas we cover near Sheffield include:
Retford
Worksop
Maltby
Hellaby
Thorne
Bentley
Darnall
Crookes
Rotherham
Doncaster