Accident at work: the right thing to do if it does happen

We've guessed it: an accident at work is an accident that happens at work or on the way to work. As with all accidents, the consequences can range from minor injuries to serious physical impairment or even death. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the topic of accidents at work to give you a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Definition and causes of accidents at work

According to the German Social Security Code, an accident at work is an accident caused by an activity subject to social security contributions. This can be an activity at work or on the way to or from work. The causes of accidents at work are of course varied: they can be attributed to individual factors, human error, inadequate workplace design or a lack of safety precautions. The latter causes in particular may indicate inadequate fulfillment of employer obligations in the relevant areas.

Measures to prevent accidents at work

There are various measures to prevent accidents at work. These include education and training for employees, regular inspections of workstations and machinery and the provision of suitable protective clothing. In addition, the workplace should be carefully designed to minimize potential risks. Compliance with safety regulations and regular inspections of work processes and workstations are also important measures for preventing accidents at work. Training courses should be documented in a traceable and, ideally, digital format. The "Read & Sign" feature in the SAWAYO employee app makes it easy to comply with these employer obligations.

What to do in the event of an accident at work?

In the event of an accident at work, those affected should consult a doctor as soon as possible to ensure they receive appropriate medical care. In addition, the incident should be reported to the employer immediately. The employer is obliged to report the accident to the relevant employers' liability insurance association. The employer's liability insurance association will then usually cover the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation. It is important to report the accident immediately in order to ensure fast and appropriate care and not to jeopardize the healing process.

Rights and obligations of the employer and employees

Employers have an obligation to protect their employees from accidents at work. To this end, they must take suitable safety measures, such as providing protective clothing or inspecting machinery. In addition, they must inform their employees about potential hazards in the workplace and provide them with training and education. Employees, in turn, have a duty to observe the safety measures and, if necessary, point out any deficiencies. They are obliged to carry out their work safely and responsibly and to take precautions to avoid injury or damage.

Statistics on accidents at work

Accidents at work are among the most common accidents in Germany. According to the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), a total of 873,562 workplace accidents occurred in 2020. Of these, 388 were fatal. Obviously, most accidents occur in industry and construction. The risk of accidents at work is simply higher in these occupational groups than in office work.

Conclusion

Accidents at work can have serious consequences, both for the employees concerned and for the company. It is therefore important to take appropriate measures to prevent accidents at work. Employers and employees have equal responsibility and should work together to ensure a safe workplace. Preventing accidents at work should be a top priority to ensure the well-being and safety of employees.

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