Minor work accidents: which formalities apply?

The formalities that must be observed in case of a minor work accident were modified by the Royal Decree of 19 March 2014 amending the Royal Decree of 12 March 2003 establishing the method and time limit to report a work accident.

These changes came into force on 20 April 2014.

'Minor accident' is understood to mean "the accident that caused no loss of income or incapacity for work for the victim but that only required care for which a medical intervention was not necessary and that was provided after the accident, only at the place of performance of the employment contract."

A minor work accident must not be reported to the insurer if it was recorded in the 'ad hoc' register kept by the employer.

This is more specifically a register in which the worker who carries out a first-aid intervention mentions:

• his name;
• the name of the victim;
• the location, date, time, description and circumstances of the accident/discomfort;
• the nature, date and time of the intervention;
• the identity of any witnesses.

NB! If the minor accident aggravates afterwards, the employer is required to report the accident to the insurer within 8 days from the day following the day on which he was informed of the aggravating minor accident.

Sources: Royal Decree of 19 March 2014 amending the Royal Decree of 12 March 2003 establishing the method and time limit to report a work accident, Moniteur belge of 10 April 2014; Royal Decree of 9 March 2014 amending certain provisions relating to internal services and first aid for minor accidents and refresher training for first-aiders, Moniteur belge of 10 April 2014.

Author: Catherine Mairy

20/08/2015