Does Public Liability Insurance Cover Employees?
Posted on: August 1st, 2025
When you're dealing with an injury at work, or if you're running a business and trying to make sure you're properly protected, understanding insurance policies can feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions we hear at Atha & Co is: Does public liability insurance cover employees? It's a great question and the answer is important for both employees and employers alike.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between public liability insurance and employers liability insurance, explain how each one works, and clarify what happens when an employee is injured on the job.
What is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect a business if someone from the public (a customer, visitor, or contractor) suffers an injury or damage to their property as a result of the business’s operations. For example, if someone slips on a wet floor in a shop, public liability insurance would typically cover the compensation costs and legal fees.
It’s important to note that this type of insurance does not cover employee injuries. This is a common misconception, but public liability is only intended for third-party claims, not people who work for the business.
What Covers Employee Injuries?
In the UK, if an employee is injured while performing their job duties, their employer is required by law to have employers liability insurance. This type of insurance is specifically in place to cover workplace injury claims made by staff.
Employers liability insurance provides financial protection if an employee becomes ill or is injured due to work-related activities. This could include anything from slipping in the staff room to developing a repetitive strain injury from improper workstation setup.
So, to answer the big question: public liability insurance does not cover employee injuries, but employers liability insurance does.
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference isn’t just about legal jargon, it’s about knowing where to turn if something goes wrong. If you’re an employee who has been hurt at work, it’s crucial to know that you’re covered under your employer’s employers liability insurance, not their public liability policy.
On the other hand, if you're a business owner, failing to have employers liability insurance can result in significant penalties, even if you already have public liability insurance in place. In fact, the law requires most employers to have at least £5 million in employers liability cover.
Making a Public Accident Claim vs. a Workplace Injury Claim
If you’re unsure whether your injury falls under a public accident claim or a workplace injury claim, the key question is: Were you working at the time, or were you a member of the public?
For example:
If you’re shopping in a supermarket and trip over a poorly placed display, that would be a public accident claim.
If you work at the supermarket and are injured while restocking that same display, it would be a workplace injury claim.
This distinction helps determine whether the claim would go through public liability insurance or employers liability insurance.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured at Work?
If you’re an employee and you've suffered an injury at work, here are the key steps to take:
Report the incident to your employer as soon as possible.
Make sure the injury is recorded in the company’s accident book.
Seek medical attention - even if the injury seems minor at first.
Document everything: take photos, collect witness statements, and keep copies of any medical records.
Contact a solicitor who specialises in workplace injury claims to discuss your options.
At Atha & Co, we’ve helped thousands of clients navigate both public and workplace injury claims. We understand how stressful it can be and we’re here to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up: public liability insurance does not cover employees. If you’re hurt while working, your employer’s employers liability insurance is what should cover your injury. The two policies serve different purposes, and both are essential in protecting people when accidents happen.
Whether you're an employee seeking advice after an accident, or a business owner unsure about your legal obligations, Atha & Co is here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’re always happy to offer guidance.
Need help with a workplace or public accident claim? Contact Atha & Co for expert advice.
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