Accident at Work: Employer Responsibility

 

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Workplace accidents can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families. If you’ve been injured at work, it’s crucial to understand your rights and explore potential avenues for compensation. 

If it can be established that someone else is responsible for your injury, such as your employer, then you may be entitled to make a claim. Beacon Law has a team of experienced employment injury lawyers who can assist you in making your injury at work claim for compensation.

If you have suffered an accident at work, claim the compensation you deserve today.

Employer Responsibility

Employers in the UK have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for their staff. This obligation stems from various laws, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which outlines the general duties employers have toward their employees. Key components of this responsibility include:

  • Risk Assessments: Employers are legally required to conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace. These assessments should address physical dangers, hazardous materials, and even mental health risks.
  • Safety Measures: Once risks are identified, employers must implement appropriate safety measures to reduce or eliminate them. This may involve providing personal protective equipment (PPE), installing safety barriers, or offering regular training.
  • Accident Book: Employers are also required to maintain an accident book. Employees should record any workplace injury in this book as part of the reporting process. This documentation can be vital when pursuing a personal injury claim.
  • Health and Safety Executive (HSE): The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) requires employers to report certain workplace incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These include serious injuries, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences such as equipment failures or chemical spills. Compliance with RIDDOR is vital for workplace safety and helps prevent future accidents.

Common Types of Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can occur in various industries and take many forms. Some of the most common types of workplace accidents include:

Slip and Fall Accidents

  • Wet Floors: Slippery floors caused by spills, leaks, or cleaning activities can lead to slips and falls.
  • Uneven Surfaces: Uneven flooring, loose tiles, or raised edges can cause tripping hazards.
  • Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles and potential hazards.
  • Obstructions: Clutter, cords, or other obstructions on walkways can increase the risk of tripping.

Machinery Accidents

  • Lack of Guarding: Unguarded machinery can cause injuries from contact with moving parts.
  • Improper Maintenance: Faulty or poorly maintained machinery can malfunction and cause accidents.
  • Lack of Training: Employees who are not properly trained on how to operate machinery are at increased risk of injury.

Vehicle Accidents

  • Driving Under the Influence: Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs can increase the risk of accidents.
  • Distracted Driving: Using a mobile phone or other distractions while driving can lead to accidents.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed can reduce reaction time and increase the severity of accidents.
  • Failure to Yield: Failing to yield to pedestrians or other vehicles can result in collisions.

Manual Handling Injuries

  • Lifting Heavy Loads: Lifting objects that are too heavy or lifting them incorrectly can strain muscles and cause back injuries.
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Repetitive tasks, such as typing or using a mouse, can lead to RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Poor Posture: Poor posture while lifting or carrying objects can increase the risk of injury.
  • Lack of Training: Employees who are not trained in proper lifting techniques are more likely to suffer injuries.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of workplace accidents that can occur. It is important to be aware of the potential hazards in your workplace and to take steps to prevent accidents.

How much compensation could I receive for a workplace accident?

The amount of compensation you could claim for an accident can vary significantly and depends on different factors. It is challenging to provide an exact figure without knowing the specific details of your case. It is also important to note that entitlement to statutory sick pay (SSP) is separate to your claim for compensation for an accident at work. Compensation typically covers two main categories of damages:

Special Damages:

These are the quantifiable economic losses you have incurred as a result of the accident. They may include:

  • Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical treatment, surgeries, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation.
  • Loss of Earnings: Compensation for the income you have lost due to your injuries, including future earning potential if your injuries impact your ability to work. 

General Damages:

These are non-economic losses that are more subjective and can be challenging to quantify. They may include:

  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident and injury.
  • Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the accident.

It is important to consult with job accident lawyers who can assess your case’s specific details, evaluate the potential value of your claim, and provide you with a more accurate estimation of the compensation you could receive based on their expertise and experience in handling similar cases.

What are the time limits for making a workplace accident claim?

Before starting the claim process, it is important to note that there are strict time limits on personal injury claims. From the date of the accident that caused the injuries sustained, the injured party will have 3 years to commence proceedings for claiming compensation.

It must be noted, however, that there are some exceptions to this rule:

For instance, if the claimant was under 18 at the time of the incident, they have until their 21st birthday to file a compensation claim. If the claimant is still under 18, a litigation friend (such as a parent, guardian, or close family member) can pursue the claim on their behalf.

Another exception to the three-year time limit applies when the claimant lacks the mental capacity to start an accident claim. In such cases, the three-year limit does not apply. The claimant can initiate their claim at any point once they regain the mental capacity to proceed.

Why choose Beacon Law?

Beacon Law are specialist personal injury lawyers with a wealth of experience in dealing with a range of compensation claims. We can provide you with specialist legal advice on making a claim and guide you through the claims process, whilst negotiating the best settlement for your accident and injuries. We are passionate about our commitment to high-quality customer service.

We have access to the best rehabilitation professionals who can advise you on how to recover from an accident.

We offer our services on a no win, no fee basis, which means you only have to pay our fees if we win your case for you. To find out more about making a personal injury compensation claim on a no-win, no fee basis, have a look at the funding section on our website.

If you require more information on accident at work employer responsibility, please contact us to talk to a member of our legal team. Please call us today on 0330 1332 857 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our experts will call you back.

Beacon Law is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

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Cheadle

Cheshire

SK8 1PY

Last Updated on December 5, 2024 by Stacey