17/08/2021
Workplace Accidents - What Are Your Employer's Responsibilities?
Employers in the UK have a legal obligation to protect the health and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. Under these obligations, employers have a duty to ensure that they provide information about the risks in your workplace, instruct and train you on how to deal with the risks, and provide training for the safe use of work equipment.
Who are the HSE?
The HSE sets the strategy, policy and legal framework for health and safety in Great Britain. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in Great Britain. It's sometimes referred to as HSWA, the HSW Act, the 1974 Act or HASAWA.
It sets out the general duties which:
- employers have towards employees and members of the public
- employees have to themselves and to each other
- certain self-employed have towards themselves and others
Employers who fail to have correct procedures and protections in place or comply with health and safety laws put employees at risk. Employers could be liable to pay compensation if a workplace injury resulted from their negligence.
Typical Workplace Injuries due to lack of training
While some working environments are more hazardous than others, without appropriate risk assessments or training provided to employees, there are dangers in every workplace. Some of the more common injuries due to inadequate training in the workplace include:
- Falls from a height
- Inhaling toxic fumes
- Crashes and collisions with vehicles
- Misuse of machinery/tools
- Repetitive Strain injury or exposure to loud noise
- Being hit by falling objects
- Electric Shocks
Following an accident at work, some of the first steps you should take include:
- Making sure you receive the appropriate medical attention to treat your injuries both at work and then follow this up by attending the local hospital or your doctor, depending on the severity of your injury
- Report your accident to your manager or supervisor as soon as possible after the accident. Make sure this is recorded in their accident book.
- Take photos of your injury and whatever caused your accident.
- Try and take down the contact details for anyone who witnessed your accident.
- Ensure the accident is documented in your medical records, which you can do with your doctor or hospital.
- Speak to a personal injury Solicitor.
Claiming compensation if you have been injured at work
Having an accident at work can have a significant impact on your life. Apart from dealing with the pain of your injury and any subsequent rehabilitation, if you cannot work, this can lead to financial consequences for you and your family and loved ones. If you believe your accident was due to negligence, our specialist accident at work lawyers can advise if your employer has a case to answer.
Get in touch with Russell & Russell solicitors and talk to our personal injury team. We will discuss your circumstances and guidance to make a workplace accident claim. Call us today 0800 731 7555 or make an online enquiry
Visit one of our Personal Injury Advice Clinics
If you are seeking legal advice about a personal injury you have suffered or would like to know more information about the process of making a claim, drop into our personal injury clinics:
Wednesdays from 3pm – 5pm at our Newport office: 39 Newport Street, Bolton, BL1 1NE
Thursday from 10am – 12pm at our Middleton office: Colmar House, Middleton Gardens, Middleton M24 4DB
Fridays from 10am -12pm at our Atherton office: 43 Market Street, Atherton, Manchester, M46 0GQ
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.