What you need to do
- Tell your head of department or your teacher what has happened and file a report via the link below. The report will be sent to your head of department. File a report in the University's reporting system
- If you are injured, it is advisable to see a medical doctor so that they can provide you with a medical certificate. Save all certificates and receipts linked to your injury in order to claim compensation.
Why you should report
It is important that you report occupational injuries, near misses and risk observations in order for Umeå University to prevent accidents and work-related illnesses.
When something happens that you might perceive as an isolated incident, could in fact be part of a series of events that suggests a pattern. Occurrences that you and your fellow students report provide your department with the possibility to notice patterns and follow up on statistics.
Report as soon as possible
You should report the occurrence as soon as possible. Partly because you might remember the circumstances better and partly so your head of department can then take action straight away.
What to report
Report all occupational injuries, near misses and risk observations. Remember to also report events that have taken place during school hours when studying at home, during your traineeship or when studying abroad.
Work-related illness
A work-related illness is an illness that arises or worsens because of your studies or study conditions. Examples are:
- physical illness (cancer, asthma, allergies) because of contact with harmful substances during your studies;
- physical ailments because of heavy or repetitive work, vibrations or noise; or
- mental health issues due to stress.
Occupational accident
An occupational accident is an unwanted incident that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly that leads to injury or illness. Examples are:
- a sprained or broken foot because of a fall;
- back pain after carrying a heavy item;
- exposure to an infectious agent in a laboratory environment;
- a burn injury; or
- being in a state of shock due to a threatening situation.
Commuting accident
A commuting accident is an unwanted event on your way to or from your study place that leads to injury or illness. This could for example be a traffic accident on your way to the University or a fall outside your home or your study place.
Near misses and serious near misses
A near miss is an unwanted event that could have led to an illness or an accident. Something was about to happen. A serious near miss is an unwanted event that could have caused serious health issues or a grave accident. Events of an organisational or social nature can be hard to determine if they are near misses. If you are unsure, talk to your head of department or student work environment representative.
A near miss could for example be:
- slipping without falling;
- almost walking into the corner of a bookshelf; or
- spilling a hazardous chemical on your laboratory coat, but not on your skin.
A serious near miss could for example be:
- a heavy shelf collapses right next to you, without injuring you;
- an explosion in a laboratory, whereby no one is injured;
- a threat of violence if the situation entailed a genuine risk to the victim’s life or health or if the situation was perceived as seriously meant (for example, threatening someone at knifepoint, death threats).
Risk observation
A risk observation is a risk or defect that could cause a near miss or an occupational injury. Examples are:
- loose cords in a corridor;
- faulty lighting; or
- slippery stairs.
What happens next
- When you have filed your report, your head of department will be notified.
- Your head of department appoints either themselves or another person to investigate the incident, an incident officer.
- The appointed incident officer investigates what happened, takes actions to remedy the issue and reports it to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan), AFA Försäkring (PSA) and in certain cases to the Swedish Work Environment Authority (Arbetsmiljöverket).
- The incident officer must promptly report any deaths, serious personal injuries, incidents affecting several students and/or staff members at the same time, and serious near misses, to the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
- You will cooperate on your case with the incident officer and, where applicable, the student work environment representative .
- If the incident resulted in you sustaining injuries, you can apply for compensation once the incident officer has submitted a report to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and, where applicable, to the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet).
Who can apply for compensation, and how?
If you are eligible for social benefits from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan)
If you are involved in an occupational or commuting accident or if you are suffering from a work-related illness, your head of department is obliged to report this to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency then determines if the injury counts as an occupational injury.
If you are eligible for social benefits from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, you can claim compensation for your injury.
Read more about social benefits at Försäkringskassan.se
If you wish to claim compensation for an injury, you apply for it yourself by contacting the Swedish Social Insurance Agency.
Read more and apply for compensation at Försäkringskassan.se
If you study at Umeå University
If you are a student at Umeå University, you are insured through an insurance at the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet). The insurance is called Insurance for students and doctoral students at Swedish universities, personal injury.
Read more and apply for compensation at Kammarkollegiet.se
If you are an incoming exchange student
If you are an incoming exchange student, you are insured through an insurance at the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet). The insurance is called Student IN.
The document from Kammarkollegiet is to be signed by the department that you were nominated to. If you are unsure which department, you can find that information in Solemove. If stated Umeå University, contact the International Office.
Read more and apply for compensation at Kammarkollegiet.se
If you are an outgoing exchange student
If you are an outgoing exchange student, you are insured through an insurance at the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet). The insurance is called Student OUT.
Read more and apply for compensation at Kammarkollegiet.se
If you are a tuition fee-paying student
If you are a tuition fee-paying student, you are insured through an insurance at the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet). The insurance is called FASplus.
The document from Kammarkollegiet is to be signed by the department where you are studying. Single subject courses, contact the International Office.
Read more and apply for compensation
