Employers must make sure their workplaces are safe for employees, but sometimes accidents happen because safety rules aren’t followed. If you’ve been hurt because of this, our team of workplace injury solicitors is here to help you. We know how tough it can be when you’re injured at work, so we’re dedicated to making sure you get the money and help you need to get better. You can count on us to be there for you, guiding you through the legal stuff and supporting you along the way. You can reach out to us by filling out our online claim form, and one of our legal experts will promptly contact you to discuss your case. Alternatively, you can call us directly at 0800 970 2727 to speak with our accident lawyers at work.
5 frequent reasons why workplace injuries happen,
Workplaces, especially industrial ones, can be risky. Accidents can happen due to many reasons such as heavy machinery and hazardous materials. From overexertion to mishandling dangerous substances, several elements can lead to workplace injuries. Let’s explore five of the most frequent causes of these incidents.
- Stress
While physical hazards are more readily apparent, mental stress can also pose significant risks to workplace safety. Stressful work environments can impair employees’ cognitive function, decision-making abilities, and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Employers need to recognise and address sources of stress in the workplace, such as excessive workload, tight deadlines, and interpersonal conflicts. Encouraging open communication, offering support services, and promoting work-life balance can help mitigate the impact of stress on employee well-being and safety.
- Distractions
Distractions can compromise workplace safety by diverting employees’ attention away from their tasks, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Factors like monotony, fatigue, and the use of personal electronic devices can contribute to distractions in the workplace. Employees need to remain vigilant and focused on their duties to avoid accidents caused by distractions, such as tripping over obstacles or colliding with objects. Implementing measures like regular breaks and job rotation can help combat distractions and improve concentration levels among workers.
- Slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common types of workplace injuries and can result in serious injuries or fatalities. These accidents often occur due to hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, and loose cables. Negligence, such as failing to close file drawers or neglecting to use safety equipment, can significantly increase the risk of these accidents. It’s essential for employers to maintain a safe working environment by addressing potential hazards promptly and ensuring that employees are aware of and adhere to safety protocols.
- Untidy Workplaces
A cluttered or disorganised work environment poses numerous safety risks, including trip hazards, obstruction of emergency exits, and difficulty accessing essential equipment. Poor housekeeping practices can lead to accidents and injuries, underscoring the importance of maintaining a clean and orderly workplace. Employers should enforce cleanliness standards, provide adequate storage solutions, and encourage employees to keep their work areas tidy to minimise the risk of accidents.
- Strain and Fatigue
Tasks that require physical exertion, such as lifting, bending, pushing, and kneeling, can lead to strain and fatigue, especially if performed repeatedly over extended periods without adequate breaks. While heavy lifting is commonly associated with workplace injuries, even lighter tasks like moving files and boxes can cause harm if proper lifting techniques are not followed. Employees need to be mindful of their physical limitations and practice correct lifting methods to prevent injuries.
When to Report a Workplace Accident
It’s crucial to report any workplace accident promptly. Notify your immediate supervisor or the person in charge if your supervisor is unavailable. Follow your organisation’s established accident reporting procedure carefully.
For serious workplace accidents, your employer is legally obligated to report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive, depending on the specifics and the duration of your absence from work.
Employers are mandated by law to maintain an accident book in the workplace. Ensure that all relevant details, including those of any witnesses, are accurately recorded in this book. If someone else fills out the accident report, review it for accuracy before signing.
If there’s no accident book available, document the incident in writing and provide a copy to your supervisor while retaining one for your records.
If you were alone when the accident occurred, inform your colleagues about what happened. This step is crucial for potential compensation claims or investigations, as it establishes the incident’s occurrence and prevents disputes from arising later.
Steps employees should take following a workplace injury:
- Seek medical attention
- Report the accident
- Document the incident
- Collect contact information
- Follow up with medical care
- Cooperate with any investigations
Seek Medical Attention:
The first and most critical step after an accident is to prioritise your health by seeking medical attention. If the injury is severe or life-threatening, immediately call emergency services. For less severe injuries, it’s essential to visit a medical professional as soon as possible. Prompt medical care can prevent complications and facilitate a speedy recovery.
Report the Accident:
It’s important to inform a supervisor or manager about the accident as soon as possible. They need to be made aware of what happened, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any injuries sustained. Reporting the accident promptly ensures that appropriate measures can be taken to address safety concerns and prevent similar incidents in the future. Employees can report the accident verbally to their supervisor or use a formal incident reporting system established by the organisation.
Document the Incident:
To support their account of the accident and any subsequent claims or investigations, employees should document the incident thoroughly. This includes taking photographs of the accident scene, any equipment or machinery involved, and the injuries suffered. Detailed documentation provides valuable evidence and helps ensure that the sequence of events is accurately recorded.
Collect Contact Information:
If there were witnesses to the accident, employees should obtain their contact information, including names and phone numbers. Witness statements can corroborate the details of the accident and provide additional insights into what occurred. Having witness contact information facilitates further investigation or legal proceedings, if necessary.
Follow Up with Medical Care:
After receiving initial medical treatment, it’s essential to follow up with any recommended or ongoing medical care. This may include additional doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, or rehabilitation sessions. Employees should adhere to their healthcare provider’s instructions and keep their employer informed of their recovery progress. Open communication ensures that necessary accommodations or adjustments can be made to support the employee’s recovery and eventual return to work.
Cooperate with Investigations:
If an investigation into the accident is initiated by the employer, regulatory authorities, or insurance providers, employees should cooperate fully. This involves providing truthful and accurate information about the circumstances leading up to the accident and any contributing factors. Cooperation with investigations helps identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. By actively participating in the investigation process, employees contribute to fostering a safer work environment for themselves and their colleagues.
Who Can File a Claim for Workplace Injuries?
Anyone who sustains an injury while working, and has access to workers’ compensation through their employer or insurer, can file a claim for monetary damages. In some cases, like with rail employees, claims must go through the Federal Employers Liability Act. It’s important to note that fault doesn’t need to be determined to file a workers’ compensation claim. The purpose of workers’ compensation coverage is to provide injured workers with compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. If you’ve been injured at work and require medical attention or are unable to fulfill your work duties, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim.
When Should You File a Claim?
If you’ve been injured on the job or developed a work-related illness, it’s crucial to file a workers’ compensation claim promptly after the incident or onset of illness. Failing to do so in a timely manner can jeopardise your ability to receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Delayed filing may prompt an investigation into the legitimacy of your claim, and in some cases, you may permanently waive your eligibility if the statute of limitations expires.
How to Make a Claim with Claim Time Solicitors?
To initiate an accident at work compensation claim, the first step is to contact our accident at work lawyers for free, no-obligation legal advice. We’ll review your situation and determine if you have a strong case for compensation. Our team will guide you through the claim process, explaining any associated fees or charges. You can reach out to us by filling out our online claim form, and one of our legal experts will promptly contact you to discuss your case. Alternatively, you can call us directly at 0800 970 2727 to speak with our accident lawyers at work.