Work rights · 1 min read
Workplace injury in Ethiopia: first steps and records
Prioritise medical care, inform the employer and keep a dated record of the incident.
After an injury at work, immediate safety and medical care come first. Tell the employer through its official route as soon as you can, then keep accurate records. The Labour Proclamation is the official legal starting point for private employment, while an employer may also have a safety procedure.
Put safety before paperwork
Seek urgent medical help when needed. Once you are safe, notify your supervisor, HR or the designated safety contact using the workplace’s official channel. Write down the time, location, task and people who saw the incident.
Keep medical documents, incident forms and any messages in a private folder. Do not sign a statement you do not understand. Ask for a copy of every form you submit.
Check what happens next
Ask the employer how it records the incident, who follows up and whether your duties need to change while you recover. Keep written confirmation of any leave, adjusted work or appointment schedule.
For a question about compensation or a dispute, read the current official law and obtain suitable local advice. A legitimate employer does not require payment for you to report an injury.