Deadline for an employee to report a workplace injury

Today, we will focus on when and how an employee should report a workplace injury. Many employees are unaware of the deadlines they must observe and the potential consequences of failing to do so. This article explains everything you need to know about the time limits for reporting a work-related injury from the perspective of your rights as an employee. You will learn not only what your obligations are, but most importantly, how to protect your rights and what steps to take if you have missed a deadline or made a mistake.

Basic Time Limit for Reporting a Workplace Injury by an Employee

As an employee, you have an obligation to report a workplace injury at your workplace without undue delay. You should report the injury to your immediate supervisor.

Primarily, take care of your health and prevent any further consequences of the workplace injury. Undergo medical treatment and hospitalization as necessary to avoid additional harm. If you are unable to report the injury yourself due to your condition, other employees or your supervisors will make the notification on your behalf (in accordance with the workplace’s Occupational Health and Safety rules).

If you are unable to provide a statement immediately after the injury, your employer will request that you complete a report or otherwise provide the necessary information for the investigation.

Common Myths About Reporting a Workplace Injury by an Employee

Beware – these are myths:

❌ "If I do not report the injury on time, I lose my right to compensation"
❌ "The employer has the right to refuse to recognize the injury as work-related"
❌ "I automatically lose all my rights"

The reality:

✅ You still have the right to compensation – missing the deadline does not mean losing the claim
✅ The injury remains work-related if it meets the criteria for a workplace injury
✅ You may report the injury later, but be prepared for complications

Possible Consequences of Missing the Deadline:

• The employer may request an explanation for the late notification

• More complicated proof of the circumstances surrounding the injury

• Potential delay in processing compensation claims

• In extreme cases, compensation may be reduced if it is proven that the late report caused damage

How Should an Employee Properly Report a Workplace Injury?

Form of Reporting

Written or oral? The law allows both forms, but we recommend always reporting in writing for evidentiary purposes. Alternatively, you may report orally but follow up with a written statement. You will likely be asked by the employer to comment on the workplace injury record afterward.

Recommended Methods of Reporting:

• Email with delivery confirmation – the fastest and verifiable method

• Personal delivery with acknowledgment of receipt – safe but requires going to the workplace

• Registered mail – reliable but slower

• Phone call followed by email – a combination of speed and proof

Who to Report the Injury To

Refer to your workplace safety documentation. Generally, in most cases, reporting is done in the following order:

• Immediate supervisor – usually the first point of contact

• Human Resources department – if your company has one

• Safety officer – specialist responsible for workplace injuries

• Company management – if others are unavailable

It does no harm to communicate the workplace injury at multiple levels of the employer. This way, you ensure the employer addresses the issue and investigates the workplace injury.

What to Do After Reporting a Workplace Injury as an Employee

1. Right to an Entry in the Accident Register

• The employer must record the injury within 5 working days

• You have the right to a copy of this record

• Check the accuracy of the recorded information

1. Right to Investigation of the Injury

• The employer is obliged to investigate the injury

• You may provide your account of the circumstances

• You have the right to be informed of the investigation results

1. Right to Medical Treatment

• The employer covers the costs of acute medical treatment

• You have the right to choose your doctor (within reasonable limits)

• Transportation to the medical facility is covered by the employer

1. In the Following Days

• Obtain and keep copies of medical reports

• Verify the entry in the accident register

• Document all expenses related to the injury

• Contact a lawyer in case of a serious injury

Common Mistakes When Reporting a Workplace Injury by an Employee

1. "The injury is not serious, so I don’t need to report it."
   ❌ Mistake: Even minor injuries can have serious consequences
   ✅ Correct: Report every injury, no matter how trivial it seems

2. "I’ll wait to see how it develops."
   ❌ Mistake: Waiting may complicate evidence gathering
   ✅ Correct: Report immediately; you can supplement information later

3. "I told a colleague, that’s enough."
   ❌ Mistake: Informal notification is insufficient
   ✅ Correct: Officially report to management or HR

4. "The employer already knows from the hospital."
   ❌ Mistake: Hospitals do not automatically notify the employer
   ✅ Correct: Report the injury yourself according to legal obligations

Practical Tips for Reporting a Workplace Injury

Preventive Measures

Before an injury (Prevention):

• Familiarize yourself with internal injury reporting procedures

• Memorize contact details of company management

• Know the location of the accident register and who manages it

• Learn your company’s specific injury reporting process

Preparation for Possible Injury:

• Save important contacts on your phone

• Know first aid procedures

• Know the location of the nearest medical facility

Documenting the Injury

What to Photograph:

• The accident site from multiple angles

• Causes of the injury (broken equipment, wet floor)

• Your visible injuries

• Damaged clothing or safety equipment

What to Keep:

• All medical reports

• Receipts for treatment and transportation

• Correspondence with the employer

• Copies of all official documents

How to Document Witnesses:

• Write down their names and contact information

• Ask for a brief written statement

• Agree on the possibility of later testimony

Know Your Rights as an Employee

Reporting and cooperating in the investigation of a workplace injury is a standard procedure. Both parties have an interest in avoiding doubts about whether and how the injury occurred. Our portal focuses on protecting employee rights related to workplace injuries. If you need assistance obtaining compensation, do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact Employee Rights

📞 Phone: +420 773 014 007
📧 Email: info@pravozamestnance.cz
🏢 Via contact form

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We protect and enforce employee rights. We strive to improve working conditions in the Czech Republic and support you in resolving your work-related issues.