Over a million people have an accident at work every year. Accidents at work can happen in all manner of environments, not just dangerous workplaces such as building sites. Employees can trip over a raised tile on some steps leading to their office or slip on a wet floor. Ultimately it is the responsibility of an employer to ensure the health and safety of all their employees by offering a safe working environment.
What to do if you have an accident at work
Many people who have had an accident at work are extremely sceptical about making a claim against their employer. There is a common misconception that making an injury claim will result in them receiving adverse treatment at work or possibly losing their job. However this is simply not the case. Should an employer treat a member of staff any differently or fire them for making an injury claim they could have a separate claim on their hands for unfair dismissal/treatment. Therefore it is not in the best interest of an employer to treat an employee any differently due to claim being made.
What situation might result in an accident at work claim?
As stated earlier, accidents at work can occur in a variety of different situations. Featured below are a few common examples:
Poor health & safety standards
Insufficient training in the use of equipment
Being made to use unsafe equipment
If you sustain an injury due to one or more of the above reasons then you definitely have valid grounds to make a personal injury claim against your employer. It is their responsibility to ensure you operate in a safe working environment!
How can I strengthen my accident at work case?
First and foremost, it is usual to be in a state of shock following an accident but there are a number of things which you can do - provided you are able - to strengthen your case. Here are some key points to consider:
Look for witnesses - A witness will be able to support your claim by either providing a statement or testifying in court should it go that far.
Fill in the accident book - Your employer should have an accident book and you will need to record the details of the incident. However, only sign the book if you are 100% happy with what has been written.
Take photographs - If you are in a position to do so, it would be extremely useful to take photographs of the scene to show where and why the accident happened.
Find a personal injury solicitor - A solicitor will be able to offer you further advice specific to your situation and manage your claim for you should you decide to go ahead.
