Injuries in the Workplace
Work related accidents and injuries at work are unfortunately not uncommon (read our Injury Guides for some more insight). Employers are bound by law to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) and in 2014/2015 76,000 work injuries at work and 142 deaths in the workplace were reported to RIDDOR.
The nature of injuries sustained in the workplace can vary in severity, but there are certain types which are reportable by law. If you have an accident resulting in an incapability to work or carry out your normal duties, these will often come under RIDDOR guidelines.
Work Related Accidents – What Should Be Reported?
It is law that all employer keep records and report within 10 days to the relevant enforcing authority any work related accidents which come under the following:
- Incapacity to Work: Work accidents resulting in an employee being unable to carry out their normal duties for more than 7 days in a row. Any accident resulting in an employee being incapacitated for 3 days in a row should be recorded if not reported.
- Serious Injuries: Work accidents causing certain injuries as stated by RIDDOR such as crush injuries, fractures, and head injuries resulting in loss of consciousness.
- Near misses: Near misses caused by certain dangerous occurrences
- Members of the public: Accidents resulting in treatment to a member of the public. In the case of a visitor being injured as part of their working day such as a delivery person, their own employer should make the report.
- Certain occupational diseases: brought about or made worse by workplace activities
- Deaths: Deaths as a result of workplace injury or incident
An Employer’s Duty
An employer doesn’t just have a duty to record and report but also to implement the correct safety measures to protect staff and visitors from experiencing an accident. If there is any failure to do so, an employee may be eligible to make a claim for work accident compensation.
These may include:
- Failure to carry out or document correct risk assessments of an area
- Failure to carry out appropriate health and safety inspections
- Lack of appropriate training
- Correct and suitable safety equipment and clothing not being provided
- Faulty equipment
- Exposure to dangerous chemicals
- Poor lighting and a hazardous environment
- Lack of safety and warning signs
- Lack of safety equipment to carry out duties safely
Want to Make a Claim?
If you’ve had an injury at work that wasn’t your fault, contact Injury Lawyers UK. Based in Folkestone and London, we have a team experienced in dealing with work accident claims. We can assess your potential claim and advise on how to pursue compensation where we feel a claim is due.
We act on a no win, no fee basis and always try to secure the maximum available compensation. We understand that it is not just the financial impact that makes workplace accidents so stressful but also the emotional and physical impact an injury can have on you and your family.
Contact us by calling 0800 1123 156, or by completing our quick and simple online contact form.
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