Accidents in the Workplace

The most common cause of accidents/injuries at work are:

• Slips, trips & falls on level ground, usually due to boxes being left out or loose wires etc
• Falls from a height, i.e. ladders or stairs
• Manual handling; injuries caused when lifting heavy items
• Use & handling of machinery, especially when using machinery unsuitable for the task or not serviced properly
• Exposure to chemicals and dangerous materials without the proper protective clothing being given
• Accidents due to the use and movement of transport vehicles

If you are involved in an accident at work be sure to do the following:-

1) Seek Medical Advice:

If you have been injured, the first thing you will have to look after is your own health and well-being, therefore it is important to seek medical advice straight away. Also, if the accident was due to the negligence of your employer and you end up claiming for compensation, going to your doctor or the hospital immediately after the accident may help you with your claim.

2) Report the incident:

You should inform your immediate supervisor about the accident or injury as soon as possible. If possible, you should insist on receiving a written acknowledgement of your accident.

3) Seek Legal Advice:

Before doing anything about your claim it is advisable that you talk to a reputable personal injury solicitor who can advise you on your next steps. A specialist lawyer will be able to determine if your employer is likely to be found liable and may be able to estimate the amount of compensation you are likely to receive.