Accidents at Work

If you have been injured whilst at work you may be entitled to compensation.

Employers have a duty to take reasonable care of their employees’ health and safety in the course of their employment. This creates a wide responsibility on employers to make sure you are reasonably safe in carrying out your job. This will mean different things for different types of work – but employers cannot escape their duty.

Common accidents at work

Some of the common accidents at work include falling from height, using defective equipment and being exposed to hazardous substances. Employers should be undertaking risk assessments to ensure your work environment is safe and putting adequate procedures in place to make you as safe as possible whilst performing your tasks. Adequate training and supervision should be provided, along with any protective equipment such as hard hats, goggles, and fire-resistant overalls.

Injured by a fellow employee

Employers can also be responsible if you are injured by a fellow employee who is incompetent, if they should have known that the other employee posed a risk. You may be self employed or working as a sub-contractor – you still may have a right to claim from an employer if they are exercising control over how you carry out your work.

Common injuries in the workplace

Accidents at work can lead to life changing injuries such as fractures, internal injuries, amputations and impairment of the senses including your sight, smell or hearing. You may be concerned about your ability to work again in the future, and how you might pay for treatment or care. In severe cases, accidents at work can be fatal.

Can I be sacked for claiming against my employer?

The law protects the employee; it is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee for making a claim for employment liability injuries. Find out more about work accident claims and where you stand in this article.

If you have suffered an injury whilst carrying out your job, do not hesitate to contact our specialist team for advice on whether you can pursue a claim and we can guide you through the process.