Accidents At Work
Accidents, by their very nature can happen anywhere and the workplace is no exception. There is an array of different circumstances in which you could suffer an injury at work. This depends largely on the nature of the business you are working in, for example, if you are employed as a lab technician then your chances of coming in to contact with dangerous substances and incurring breathing problems is far greater than if you work as a sales assistant in a shop.
However, there are certain areas of personal work-related injuries which are applicable to most environments.
Accidents From Manual handling
This term refers to anything that involves lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing, moving, carrying any kind of object and these type of injuries account for just over 30 % of personal injury claims in the workplace. Resulting injuries from manual handling are usually related to strains in the arms, hands and more often than not, musculoskeletal disorders to the back.
Employers should have procedures in place to ensure that objects are not carried over a long distance and should make sure sufficient training has been given on how to manually handle a range of items. Thus preventing excessive twisting, straining, prolonged periods of lifting without a break or requests for the transfer of awkward or dangerous objects, for example, something that is difficult to grip. They should also allow heavy goods vehicles to lift any goods that are assumed to be too heavy for the average person.
Slipping
Slipping and tripping also account for just under a third of claims in the workplace. Although often minor incidents tripping up or slipping on something can leave people with severe injuries including broken bones, head injuries and if the accident is from a great height or involves dangerous equipment being close by, death can result.
Because a lot of the accidents pertain to a careless approach to the physical environment, for example, poorly fitted floor tiles or wet and slippery substances being left it is the employer’s responsibility to fit hand rails, ensure floors are safe at all times, cables attached to electrical equipment are hidden out of danger and outdoor areas are gritted appropriately if there is a covering of ice.
Electrical Injuries At Work
Unsurprisingly, there are a significant number of work-related accidents connected to the use of electrical equipment and this does not necessarily relate to employees who are more readily exposed to electrical items like electricians. If you are an employee you should make sure your employer has made every effort to give training on electrical equipment, clear visual indicators of potentially hazardous electrical items are displayed and all electrical property is well maintained.
Traffic accidents
Again traffic accidents at work are not exclusive to those organisations with a focus on transport per se. Any place of work where workers come and go in a vehicle is a vulnerable area for a traffic accident. Your employer is duty-bound to introduce a one-way system where possible, reduce reversing, make a reasonable effort to keep pedestrians and vehicles apart to avoid accidents and any drivers working for the company are should be given correct training.
In addition to the above most common situations of work-place personal injury claims, there are other areas to consider including those environments that require you to work with dangerous chemicals, fire or with heavy machinery.
All employers, no matter what industry must have Employer’s Liability Insurance and they are legally obliged to carry out routine risk assessments of potential accidents. They must clearly outline in their health and safety documentation that preventative measures have been taken to minimise the risk of incidents. Employees also have a duty to acknowledge the health and safety procedures given by the employer and they have the responsibility to pay attention to their actions in the workplace. If your employer neglects to carry out its duty then you may be entitled to make a claim.
What to do if you have an accident at work
- You must always report the incident to your employers and if any witnesses are present you must also make a note of who these are
- Keep records of any finances relating to your injury, for example, paying for a physiotherapist
- If necessary, make sure your employer records the accident with HSE online
- If the health and safety problem that caused your injury is not being dealt with encourage your employer to address it
Records of the following must be kept by the employer in a designated ‘Accident’ book:
- Serious injuries
- Work-related deaths
- Industrial disease cases
- Near-miss accidents
There are exceptions to this so if you require more detailed information then visit the Health and Safety Executive website. An Accident book allows for employers to see problems in the work place and it also acts as an aid to employees who are seeking compensation for anything detailed in the book.
Making a claim for an accident at work
If you have decided to go ahead with making a claim then you must act within 3 years of the accident and you will need the assistance of a personal injury specialist lawyer.
Accident At Work Claims
We deal with a wide range of cases relating to injuries sustained in the workplace. Here are just a few of them.
Work Related Accident Services
We deal with a wide range of claims which are related to injuries and accidents in the workplace. A few of these are listed below. If your type of claim is not listed please do not let this deter you from contacting us with your enquiry.
Feedback From Past Clients
“The claim was dealt with very efficiently; I was re-assured throughout the Court process and was kept fully updated. Thank you for your help.”
Mrs Barnes from Poynton, Cheshire
“I would most definitely use you again if the need arises. I would put your company forward to any family and friend who found themselves in the same situation as me.
Many thanks for your help.”
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Mrs W from Poynton, Cheshire
“I was very happy with the out come and that my case was handled both efficiently and sympathetically and would recommend this solicitors practice without hesitation.”
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Testimonials
Here are just some of the many testimonials we receive from past clients.
"Not being a solicitor, I found it difficult to communicate on a legal side, however your correspondence was in plain English and readily understood."
Alison Edwards
"I was a motorcyclist involved in a road traffic accident that was not my fault. I suffered from physical and psychological injuries as a result of the accident including a very serious injury to my wrist requiring surgery. The claim was very complex and Jefferies dealt withn it in a very professional manner and I was very happy with the outcome. I received £199,071.62 for my injuries and other losses including my loss of earnings. I would recommend Jefferies to my friends and family if they ever needed to make an accident claim."
Joye
"I was very pleased with the outcome of my case and would be happy to recommend Jefferies to family and friends"
Mrs Tidswell
Claiming In Confidence
If you would like to take the next steps in making a claim for your injuries in the workplace, or for any other personal injury matter, we’d love to speak to your in confidence. You will find our team both highly professional and able to demonstrate sensitivity at what could be a very difficult time for you.
With over 18 years experience under our belts as a firm of personal injury lawyers, you can be sure that you have the right legal team behind you in dealing with your claim.
To take the first steps either call us on 0800 342 3206 or fill out our quick online claim form so that we can then deal with your enquiry as quickly as possible and discuss the details of your prospective case.
An Expert Team of Quality Legal Professionals
With a team of highly qualified personal injury solicitors, paralegals and support centre staff, you can be sure that your case will be in the right hands with Jefferies Solicitors. The firm has been established for over 18 years and operates on a nationwide basis. We have dealt with both small and large cases, ranging from just a few thousand pounds, to millions.
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