A Guide to Work-Related Injuries in Denmark

Anyone can risk being involved in an accident while at work. Whether it’s an accident or an injury caused by work conditions, it is considered a workplace injury. If the injury occurs during work or as a result of work, the employer is responsible. This includes injuries resulting from poor working conditions, heavy lifting, allergic reactions, stress, psychological complications linked to the workplace, injuries from falls, and more.

Many workplace injuries happen without malicious intent from the employer, but the employer is still responsible. In most cases, the employer will also assist in addressing complications.

What is a work-related injury?

What is a workplace injury?

A workplace injury refers to a physical or psychological injury caused by work or working conditions. This includes both sudden accidents and injuries that develop over time due to work-related stressors, as well as psychological disorders linked to poor working conditions.

When is it considered a workplace injury?

• Workplace accidents: Sudden, unexpected events that result in physical injury, such as falls, cuts, or being struck by an object.

• Occupational diseases: Illnesses that develop over time due to work-related exposures or stressors, such as hearing loss from constant noise, lung diseases from inhaling harmful substances, or stress-related mental disorders caused by a poor work environment.

Causes of workplace injuries

Workplace injuries can arise from various factors:

• Physical factors: Heavy lifting, repetitive movements, poor ergonomics, or dangerous machinery.

• Chemical factors: Exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances.

• Environmental factors: Poor lighting, inadequate ventilation, or extreme temperatures.

• Psychosocial factors: High work pressure, long hours, or poor workplace environment, which can lead to stress and mental health issues.

To be recognized as a workplace injury, there must typically be:

1. Causal link: A clear connection between the injury/illness and the type of work or working conditions.

2. Timing: The injury or illness must occur within a reasonable timeframe related to the working conditions.

3. Evidence: Documentation supporting that the injury or illness is work-related.

Correct understanding and handling of workplace injuries are essential to ensure employees receive necessary support and compensation and to help employers maintain a safe work environment.

What is NOT considered a workplace injury?

• Injuries that occur outside of work, at home, or during leisure activities and have no connection to job duties or the work environment.

• Illnesses caused by natural aging or wear-and-tear, such as osteoarthritis, unless it can be proven that work significantly accelerated the condition.

• Mental health conditions unrelated to the work environment, such as personal stress or anxiety, unless directly impacted by work-related factors.

• Injuries that happen on the way to or from work are generally not considered workplace accidents.

How and Why to Report a Work-Related Injury

The primary responsibility for reporting a workplace injury lies with the employer. However, the injured employee and doctors also have roles in the process. Reporting must occur within specified deadlines to ensure proper handling and compensation. Employers, employees, and doctors should collaborate to ensure all injuries are reported and managed correctly.

Who Should Report a Work-Related Injury?

1. Employer’s responsibility:

   • The employer must report the injury to the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) and the employer’s workplace injury insurance provider if the injury results in an extended absence. The report should include details of the circumstances, involved parties, and witnesses.

   • The insurance provider evaluates the case and may forward it to the Workers' Compensation Authority (Arbejdsmarkedets Erhvervssikring) if necessary.

   • It is mandatory for employers to have workplace injury insurance covering medical expenses, compensation for lost earning capacity, and support for dependents in the event of death.

2. Employee’s responsibility:

   • If the employer fails to report the injury, the employee can report it themselves within one year of the incident. Employees can contact the insurance provider directly or use Virk.dk.

3. Doctor’s responsibility:

   • If a doctor suspects an injury or illness is work-related, they are required to report it immediately through the Health Data Agency.

Unions can assist injured employees by ensuring proper reporting and advising on rights and obligations.

Why Report a Work-Related Injury?

• Injuries must be reported within five weeks, even if compensation is uncertain, as symptoms or side effects may arise later. Reporting ensures proper compensation, such as treatment costs, lost wages, and compensation for lasting disabilities.

• Reporting also helps identify and prevent workplace risks, reducing future injuries.

Can You Receive Compensation for Work-Related Injuries?

Compensation for workplace injuries may include:

• Treatment and rehabilitation: Costs for treatment, rehabilitation, or assistive devices (reimbursed upon submission of receipts).

• Compensation for reduced earning capacity: If earning capacity is reduced by more than 5%.

  • Lump sum payment for losses below 50%.

  • Monthly benefits for losses above 50%.

• Compensation for permanent injuries: If impairment exceeds 15%, a lump sum payment may be awarded.

Just Eat primarily provides guidance to ensure compliance with Danish laws, so having personal insurance is essential. Additionally, following safety practices is crucial to protecting yourself.

Reporting Workplace Injuries

You should ask Just Eat to report your workplace injury, but your doctor can also file the report. If this is difficult, your union can assist you in submitting a claim.

Once a workplace injury is reported, you will receive a confirmation receipt. If you do not receive one, you should contact Just Eat (or another employer), the Danish Labour Market Insurance (Arbejdsmarkedets Erhvervssikring), or your doctor to ensure that the report has been submitted.

You can report a workplace injury if:

• The injury occurred while working for an employer in Denmark (e.g., Just Eat).

• The injury was caused by your work or working conditions.

The Danish Labour Market Insurance collects information from you, your employer, and a doctor. Once they have gathered all necessary information, they make a final decision. This decision will clarify whether your injury is recognized as a workplace injury and whether you are entitled to compensation for permanent disability or loss of earning capacity.

If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the National Social Appeals Board (Ankestyrelsen). The procedure for appealing is outlined in the decision letter.

Your employer and their insurance company also have the right to appeal if they disagree with the decision.

Denmark has strict regulations regarding workplace safety and work injury insurance. Both the Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) and the Danish Labour Market Insurance (AES) play key roles in monitoring and enforcing these regulations.

Workplace injuries for delivery riders

Delivery riders face specific risks, such as:

• Traffic accidents: Riders may be hit by cars or fall due to slippery roads or bad weather. Keep your bike in good condition, wear a helmet, and use lights and reflectors, especially in poor weather or at night.

• Physical strain: Long periods of cycling and heavy lifting can lead to muscle or joint pain. Ensure proper posture, adjust your bike correctly, and lift properly.

• Accidents: Riders may sustain broken bones, head injuries, or chronic pain in the back, shoulders, or knees.

To enhance safety, Just Eat provides protective equipment and works closely with authorities to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Just Eat and Workplace Injuries

Just Eat takes the health and safety of our couriers seriously. We offer comprehensive vehicle checks, insurance, and health and safety training. While you are working, our live operations teams are always on standby to support you in case anything happens.

Although no one expects to experience a workplace injury, it is reassuring to know that help is available if needed. Even though Just Eat may not have a formal employer responsibility for self-employed couriers, we still have a duty to promote safety and provide accurate information and guidance on safe working practices.

Can you be fired after a workplace injury?

You generally cannot be fired due to a workplace injury. However, if a prolonged illness occurs after the injury, the employer has the right to terminate your employment.

Preventing work-related injuries

To minimize workplace injury risks:

1. Ensure employees are properly trained in safety procedures and equipment use.

2. Maintain and regularly inspect all equipment.

3. Foster a positive work environment and address workplace stress effectively.

Workplace injuries can have severe consequences for both employees and employers, making prevention and proper management crucial for a safe and healthy work environment.

The information included on this page is only intended for general information purposes and does not relate specifically to work at just-eat.dk. Although just-eat.dk. makes every effort to keep the content on this page up to date, the information is offered without any guarantee or claim of accuracy. We therefore recommend that you consult official government websites or seek professional advice before acting.