Handling workplace accidents is one of the most important legal and occupational safety obligations of employers. Hungarian regulations define in detail when an event qualifies as an occupational accident, what procedure must be followed, and what liability risks a company can expect. In addition to classic workplace accidents, the employer's liability may also extend to travel accidents that occur while commuting to work.
What qualifies as an accident at work?
An accident at work is any injury or damage to the health of an employee that occurs in connection with, at a place or at the time of work. This includes accidents at the site, business trips, tasks performed on the employer's orders, and all activities that fall within the scope of work.
Road accident – when is it considered an accident at work?
An accident that occurs while commuting to work and returning home is basically a travel accident, which qualifies as an occupational accident only under certain conditions. Criteria for qualification:
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- the accident occurred on the usual route,
- the employee was on his way to or from the workplace directly,
- there were no unjustified detours or private interruptions.
A travel accident can be considered a work accident, for example, if the deviation from the route was due to the employer’s instruction or if the employee was driving a company vehicle.
Employer's obligations in the event of an accident at work
The employer has immediate and administrative obligations:
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- providing first aid and eliminating the source of danger,
- investigation of the accident,
- preparation of minutes,
- immediate notification to the authorities in the event of a serious accident,
- Preservation of documentation.
The purpose of the investigation is to investigate the circumstances and prevent future accidents.
Liability and Indemnification
The employer is objectively responsible for ensuring the conditions for safe work. Exemption is only possible in exceptional cases, for example, if the accident was caused solely by the employee's intentional or grossly negligent conduct, or if the accident can be traced back to an unavoidable external cause.
Prevention and OHS compliance
The employer is obliged to:
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- maintain an up-to-date risk assessment,
- provide occupational safety training,
- issuing and inspecting protective equipment,
- ensure that work equipment is in a safe condition.
An appropriate occupational safety system and documentation is not only a legal obligation, but also the basis for reducing liability risks.
