It is widely recognised that being at work is beneficial to your general health. Statistics show that workplaces are becoming safer with a decreasing number of work – related injuries. However, accidents can still happen, often causing serious injury.
Accident Types
Accident types tend to vary according to the industry involved. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) the most common cause of workplace accidents is “slips, trips and falls” closely followed by “lifting and handling” incidents. Certain job roles clearly present more risk than others, with “agriculture, forestry and fishing” jobs considered among the highest risk.
Employers’ Duties
Your employer has a duty to protect you at work and to tell you about Health and Safety issues that affect you. They must also report certain accidents and injuries to the HSE, record your accident in the accident book, pay you sick pay and give you time off work should you need it.
Reporting an Accident
Your employer is legally required to report serious work-related accidents, diseases and dangerous incidents to the HSE. In particular, they are under a duty to report cases involving:
- Death
- Major injuries
- Diseases
- Dangerous work incidents, such as the collapse of scaffolding or employees being overcome by gas.
- Any other injury which causes the employee to be off sick for 10 days or more.
Recording an Accident
Recording the details of your accident correctly will give you the best chance of making a successful compensation claim. If you have been injured at work you must inform your employer immediately. All employers must keep an accident book, as it provides a helpful, contemporaneous record of what happened in your accident, which will be very useful evidence in any future compensation claim.
Sick Pay
In most cases, if you need time off because of an accident at work you will only have the right to statutory sick pay. However, your employer may have a scheme for paying more for time off work caused by accidents.
What you should do if you have an accident at work:
- Record any injury in the accident book
- Make sure your employer has reported the accident to the HSE if appropriate
- Check your contract for information regarding sick pay or accident pay
- Make a note of the names and contact details of any witnesses
Making an Injury Claim
If you have been injured in an accident at work and you think your employer is at fault you may want to make a claim for compensation. Any claim must be made within 3 years of the date of the accident and you will normally need legal representation. If you belong to a Trade Union you may be able to use their legal services, otherwise you should speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
In addition to your personal injury claim you will also be able to claim for losses such as travel expenses, loss of earnings, prescription charges, private medical appointments and general out of pocket expenses.
Should you, or anyone you know, have been involved in an accident at work, please contact our expert team of lawyers on 0114 218 4000 or email info@tayloremmet.co.uk