Workplace Accidents: What are Your Rights?

The law requires that all employers ensure that the workplace is a safe environment so that it does not present any Health or Safety risks to employees. If an accident occurs in the workplace it must be recorded in an accident book and appropriate measures taken. This might mean a visit to the GP or hospital to make sure you are fit to continue working, it also allows them to make a record in case you need to take the matter further. So what are your rights in the workplace?

Know Your Rights

Employers must ensure that:

• Dust, fumes, and noise are kept to a minimum.
• Plant machinery should be safe and regularly maintained.
• Protective clothing should be provided where necessary.
• Adequate first aid and training should be provided.
• Precautions for everything from fighting fire to finding adequate means of escape.
• Assessments are made regarding the risks involved in work practises such as using a computer.
Employees should cooperate with their employers to make their workplace safe – taking care of their own health and safety and that of fellow employees. If you believe that conditions in your workplace are unsafe you can talk to your union or the Health and Safety Executive.
If you believe that there is a serious and immediate danger in the workplace you have a right to protect yourself, this could mean leaving the premises until it is sorted out.

Manufacturing and Building Industries

Obviously, the risks of an accident at work are much higher in some industries. Figures show that on average each year, in the construction industry 3% of employees sustain workplace injuries. Slips, trips and falls account for 23% of this figure, lifting and handling 22%, falls from height 19%, and being struck by an object 11%. In the 2014 – 2015 period 35 workers in the construction sector were fatally injured in the workplace.

Office Environment

In an office environment, you would expect there to be significantly fewer accidents. However annually on average 2% of employees sustain an injury in the workplace. Slips, trips, and falls account for 27% of these injuries, physical assaults 20% and lifting or handling 15%.
You may want to discuss whether you might have a case after being involved workplace accident. You may be entitled to claim compensation from your employer and you haven’t even realised. Contact us at Concept Law, we will be happy to look into the circumstances of the matter and let you know where you stand. We are a dedicated team of expert Solicitors in Burnley with experience working in the field of Personal Injury claims.