Occupational injuries represent an undesirable, yet unfortunately relatively frequent, aspect of working life. Their impact on an employee’s health can vary significantly—from minor injuries without long-term consequences to fatal accidents.
Occupational Injuries by Degree of Impact on Employee’s Health
Occupational injuries constitute an unwanted yet, unfortunately, relatively frequent aspect of working life. The impact on an employee’s health may vary significantly—from minor injuries without long-term effects to fatal harm.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of how occupational injuries differ according to the severity of their impact on employee health.
Classification of Occupational Injuries Based on the Degree of Health Impact
Occupational Injuries Without Work Incapacity
Characteristics:
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Do not require any period of work incapacity; only minor first aid treatment is necessary.
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Cause minimal limitation to work capacity; the employee can essentially continue performing their duties immediately.
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Treatment is short-term and typically straightforward.
Examples:
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Minor cuts
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Mild bruises
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Abrasions
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Minor first-degree burns
Legal procedure:
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Entry in the injury register is mandatory.
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No formal injury report is usually prepared.
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No obligation to notify the Labor Inspectorate.
Minor Occupational Injuries with Short-Term Work Incapacity
Characteristics:
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Work incapacity generally lasts up to 3 weeks — partial and temporary limitation of the employee’s ability to perform their work.
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Temporary reduction in work capacity.
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Treatment is relatively uncomplicated.
Examples:
Legal procedure:
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Mandatory entry in the injury register.
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Injury report must be prepared.
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Injury must be reported to the employer’s insurance company.
Moderate Occupational Injuries
Characteristics:
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Work incapacity lasting from several weeks up to months.
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Significant limitation of work capacity.
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Treatment requires extended healthcare.
Examples:
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Complex fractures of limbs
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Joint dislocations
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Spinal injuries without neurological symptoms
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Moderate concussions
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Extensive second-degree burns, frostbite, or chemical burns
Legal procedure:
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Mandatory entry in the injury register.
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Injury report must be prepared.
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Reporting to the Labor Inspectorate and the insurance company is required.
Occupational Injuries with Permanent Consequences
Characteristics:
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Permanent damage to the employee’s health resulting from the injury.
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Severe reduction in quality of life and subsequent impairment of social functioning.
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Often permanent disability.
Examples:
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Limb amputations
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Brain injuries with lasting effects
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Spinal cord injuries causing partial paralysis
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Loss of sight or hearing
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Extensive burns with permanent scarring
Legal procedure:
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Comprehensive investigation of injury causes.
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Potential criminal liability of the employer.
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Mandatory reporting to all relevant authorities.
Fatal Occupational Injuries
Characteristics:
Legal procedure:
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Mandatory notification to the Police of the Czech Republic.
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Thorough investigation of causes and circumstances.
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Notification to the Labor Inspectorate and health insurance.
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Preparation of a fatal injury report.
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Usually accompanied by a criminal investigation.
Compensation Claims Related to Occupational Injuries
The degree of health impact due to an occupational injury significantly affects the claims related to compensation.
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Pain and Suffering Compensation (Bolestné):
Calculated based on a points system set by a medical expert pursuant to regulations on compensation for pain and social impairment. As of January 1, 2024, one point is valued at CZK 384.00.
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Compensation for Impairment of Social Functioning:
Reflects the long-term or permanent impact of the injury on the victim’s quality of life.
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Additional Compensation Depending on Injury Severity:
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Loss of Earnings during Work Incapacity:
Paid for all injuries involving work incapacity.
Amount: difference between average pre-injury earnings and sickness benefits.
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Loss of Earnings after Work Incapacity Ends:
Relevant for moderate to severe injuries.
Amount: difference between average pre-injury earnings and post-injury earnings (including any disability pension).
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Reimbursement of Reasonable Medical Expenses:
Applies to all injury categories and includes costs for medication, rehabilitation, medical aids, transportation to medical appointments, etc.
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Compensation for Property Damage:
Covers damage to personal belongings during the injury. Compensation amount depends on the value of damaged items.
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One-Time Compensation to Survivors:
In case of fatal injury:
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Spouse: minimum CZK 240,000
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Each dependent child: minimum CZK 240,000
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Parents living in the same household as the deceased: minimum CZK 240,000
Employee Rights and Recommendations
The severity of the injury determines not only the extent of health consequences but also the applicable legal procedures, administrative obligations, and the amount of compensation. It is crucial for employees to understand their rights and the procedures for asserting claims proportionate to their injury’s severity. Employers, on the other hand, should implement preventive measures commensurate with workplace risks and the potential severity of injuries.
In the event of any occupational injury, it is advisable to act prudently, maintain thorough documentation, and consult a labor law expert or trade union representative in more serious cases.
Contact Právo zaměstnance (Employee’s Rights)
📞 Phone: +420 773 014 007
📧 Email: info@pravozamestnance.cz
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We protect and enforce employee rights. We strive to improve the working environment in the Czech Republic and support you in dealing with occupational injuries. For news, advice, and employee rights tips, visit our blog or follow us on social media. Thank you.
