It is the employer's responsibility to report an accident at work

Reporting an accident at work is the responsibility of every employer. His task is to send the appropriate form to the Labor Inspectorate, as well as report it to the nearest police station as soon as possible. A similar obligation arises when he observes a serious threat in the workplace.

Reporting an accident at work

However, it is worth remembering that accident reporting it becomes the obligation of the employer only when the employee has suffered a serious health impairment. However, there is no legal definition that would explain what is "serious injury" in practice. The Arbeidstilsynet reports, however, that reporting an accident at work should take place when:

• the employee suffered head injuries - especially when he lost consciousness,
• if the employee has suffered injuries to the skeletal system,
• when the employee has suffered internal damage,
• the employee lost a part of the body,
• poisoning with toxic substances,
• loss of consciousness, e.g. as a result of inhaling toxic fumes,
• suffering injuries resulting from burns, frostbite or food poisoning,
• third degree skin burns or local second degree skin burns,
• skin changes greater than 5% on the entire body,
• the employee is hypothermic (cold),
• injuries requiring hospitalization.

The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority cautions that the above list is not exhaustive. It can serve as a starting point for assessing whether reporting an accident at work should be done. In case of any doubts, the company shop steward or the Labor Inspectorate should be consulted directly.

When injuries are more serious than expected

There may be a situation where the injuries sustained as a result of an accident are more serious than initially assumed. In this case reporting an accident at work should be done as soon as possible - if it has not already been done. The same applies to circumstances where the victim died within one year of filing the report.

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Employer's Other Responsibilities

Reporting to the Labor Inspectorate and the Police is not the only obligation of the employer. He is also obliged to keep records of accidents and occupational diseases. He should also report to NAV using the form on 13/07.05/XNUMX. His tasks also include providing professional insurance for all employees.

Arbeidstilsynet hotline for accident reporting

+47 73 19 97 00 extension 3