This month, thanks to the support of UNISON, we hosted an online seminar titled “What You Need to Know About Occupational Health and Safety” for Hongkongers who have relocated to the UK. UNISON arranged for its occupational health and safety expert to provide participants with essential knowledge on workplace safety in the UK. The online seminar covered employers’ responsibilities under UK labour laws and the proper procedures for dealing with workplace injuries.
In the UK, workplace injuries are not limited to physical harm or fatalities caused by occupational accidents. Psychological trauma, such as verbal abuse or threats from clients or colleagues, is also recognized under workplace protection. Employers have a responsibility to address these issues from an occupational health and safety perspective, ensuring that employees are protected from such harm.
Jon Donnelly, the National Officer from UNISON’s Occupational Health and Safety team, emphasized the significance of psychological trauma caused by verbal abuse in workplace safety, particularly for members working in healthcare and public service sectors. “This kind of trauma is not something that can be ignored when it comes to occupational safety,” he stated.
Jon explained that under UK law, employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment for their employees. If employees have concerns about workplace safety, they are encouraged to report them to the union’s occupational health and safety representatives. These union representatives are authorized to regularly inspect workplace safety conditions, investigate complaints related to occupational health, and examine the causes of workplace accidents. Employers are also required to consult union representatives on safety arrangements in the workplace.
In cases of workplace injury, employees can seek assistance from the union’s health and safety representatives when filing a claim. The union representative will guide them step by step through the claims process. Jon urged participants to join a union as soon as possible, as most unions are governed by rules that require members to be part of the union for a certain period before the union can assist with claims.
During the seminar, Jon also addressed numerous questions from Hongkongers in the UK regarding occupational health and safety, such as the procedures for reporting workplace injuries and calculating pay during statutory sick leave. In the event of a work-related injury, Jon advised that employees must promptly notify their immediate supervisor or employer and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only does this ensure timely treatment, but it also serves as evidence for potential future claims. If the company has more than ten employees, the employer is required to maintain an accident book, where all work-related injuries must be recorded. If there is no accident book at the workplace, you can write your report and submit it to your employer, which will be helpful for any future claims.
Additionally, the law requires employers to report work-related injuries that result in more than seven days of absence to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). If you suspect your employer has not reported the injury, you can make the report yourself. HSE has the authority to fine employers who fail to comply with the law, and in severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against the employer.
The law treats absences due to work-related injuries as sick leave. Employees are entitled to at least £116.75 per week in Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for up to 28 weeks. This is the legal minimum, and unions often secure better benefits through collective bargaining agreements. Employees may also pursue a civil claim against their employer, with the court determining the compensation amount based on factors such as the employer’s duty of care and the employee’s losses.