Dangerous Machinery accidents in the UK
Employers have a duty of care to protect their employees, especially in environments where heavy operating machinery is involved. This is done through adequate training and ensuring equipment is in good working order through regular maintenance and safety checks. Workers should also be provided with adequate clothing and protective gear. According to RIDDOR Statistics 8% of all reported Fatal injuries between 2014/2015 – 2018/2019 happened through contact with moving machinery.
Was my accident just an accident?
Despite the above accidents can happen. Accidents do not happen for no reason, when one does occur there is always a lapse of safety precautions in effect. If you have suffered an accident at work due to dangerous machinery, lack of training when operating such machinery or not been given proper protective hear and tools, then you are entitled to compensation. This also includes any loss of earnings due to the time spent out of work and any future losses you might suffer as a direct result of your injuries sustained in the accident.
What do I do if I have had an accident at work due to unsafe machinery?
If you have suffered an accident at work due to dangerous machinery, you should immediately bring this to the attention of your manager and seek medical help. Employers have an obligation to keep a record of all incidents of such nature in an accident book. Ensure this is done. You should also make a note of:
How the accident happened.
Take pictures where possible.
Get witness details where possible, such as work colleagues who were present at the time.
Could the incident have been avoided through training, maintenance or additional safety equipment?
Will I lose my job if I make a claim against my employer?
Your employer has a duty of care to protect you from injuries and accidents whilst at work. Should such incidents occur all businesses are required to have adequate insurance to protect themselves and their employees.
Should I be worried about costs and being able to afford my claim?
If we find your employer is indeed responsible for your accident and this could have been avoided, we shall, with your consent, make the claim on your behalf. We take a majority of claims on a “No Win No fee” “Conditional Fee” basis, which means we do not charge you any monies up-front and get paid at the end of the claim only when and if we are successful with your claim. Usually this comes from the other side through a small percentage of the settlement.
Your Injury Claim will be made against the insurance policy your employers have in place for situations exactly such as this. Furthermore, they cannot simply get rid of you for making a claim for injuries at work. In fact, your employer cannot harass or give you trouble at work for making an Injury Claim. Should this happen or you are fired, your employer will open themselves to an unfair dismissal claim which can be extremely costly for them. It is illegal to fire employees for having injuries at work.
Source: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/kinds-of-accident.pdf
