No matter how attentive and conscious we are at our work premises – the possibility of injuries is always present. The accidents that occur in the workplace can often result in injuries from minor to catastrophic and even deaths. According to Health and safety (HSE), around 172 workers were killed in UK work premises during the year 2011/2012.
Accidents are considered Job related or workplace accidents if they happen in the workplace or in the period that the employee was conducting work-related activities such as lunch, traveling for work, and attending workshops or training that are part of his or her job.
The most common causes of work-related injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Incidents due to electrical faults
- Manual handling or lifting an object
- Hazardous materials
- Collisions with co-workers
- Workplace violence
- Toppling object
- Fatigues
- Stress either personal or professional
The most common injuries due to these accidents are:
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Sprains
- Head injuries
- Asthma
- Deafness
- Vibrating white fingers
Who is responsible?
Whether the accident was a result of the employee’s carelessness or employer’s negligent – the employer of the workplace has an obligation to provide health and safety safeguard for their employees as well as visitors. The employers who fail to maintain a safe working environment can result in penalties and even lawsuits. The employers are even responsible for any injury that affects their employees even when they are away from the company such as traveling for work, lunch times and training. Even if the employee’s carelessness resulted in the accident – it is still the responsibility of the employer to ensure the safety of its workers.
Compensation for injuries:
If you have been injured in the workplace, you are entitled to compensation from your employer. Contact a personal injury lawyer to represent you and help you fight for the justice you deserve. The employer can compensate you for your loss of wages, permanent or temporary disability, medical expenses, and even death.
What to do if you have an accident at work?
If you have an accident at work that caused you injuries, make sure to:
- Record your injury at your workplace in the office “accident book”
- Report to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Check your contract for information on sick and accident pay
- In case, your employer fails to provide you with appropriate compensation, contact us for your injury claims. We are experts in providing legal service in the UK
People working in different types of job face different accidents. For example, an office worker might not be at much risk of burn but an employee working as a chef in a restaurant will be. Of course, it is not easy to avoid accidents but maintaining safety habits can reduce the risk of slips and falls which are considered the top cause of accidents in any workplace.
For more information contact us at Judkins Solicitors!