Response to Work­place Accidents

Employers must report workplace accidents to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (Vinnueftirlitið), Icelandic Health Insurance (Sjúkratryggingar Íslands), and, when applicable, the police and Sjóvá:

1. Workplace accidents that result in an employee being absent for one or more days after the incident must be reported to Vinnueftirlitið immediately (or within 24 hours) (see here).
2. Workplace accidents must be reported to Sjúkratryggingar Íslands immediately or no later than one year from the date of the accident (see here). Reimbursement of medical expenses may be available.
3. In severe cases, the police should be contacted for an assessment of the scene.
4. Reporting a workplace accident to Sjóvá is simple via My Sjóvá. Instructions for businesses here.

If Vinnueftirlitið or the police do not see the need to visit the scene, it is still essential that the employer ensures documentation of the circumstances and causes of the accident through an internal investigation (see here):

1. Prepare a dated incident report
2. Obtain signatures from the injured party and witnesses
3. Take photos of the accident site
4. Save any available video footage
5. Store all documents related to the accident

It is recommended to save all relevant documents in the same folder on a computer for easy access if needed. Proper response to workplace accidents ensures faster and more accurate claims processing with the insurance company. Additionally, it reduces uncertainty regarding compensation eligibility, as court precedents indicate that any doubt is generally ruled against the employer.

Regarding electronic surveillance, storage, and submission of video footage, regulations on electronic monitoring (No. 50/2023) permit the submission of footage to an insurance company to determine liability in a damage claim (Article 10). Additionally, footage may be retained for more than 30 days if an incident occurs (Article 11). However, the footage must be deleted when there is no longer a legitimate reason to keep it.

Finally, we emphasize the importance of prevention and risk assessment for key aspects of a company’s operations. These measures enhance workplace safety and help prevent accidents.

Our corporate advisors are always available to answer questions or provide guidance. We also offer on-site risk assessments for businesses. Inquiries can be sent to fyrirtaeki@sjova.is.