How Employers Should Prevent Accidents At Work
Unfortunately, injuries in the workplace are more commonplace than people imagine. Certain industries, including construction and agriculture are especially high risk but it is also possible to suffer an injury while working in an office or other environment. It is the responsibility of all employers to ensure that their employees are provided with a safe working environment. This means ensuring that machinery and tools are safe for use and that employees receive appropriate training to help prevent accidents at work from occurring.
Machinery and tools are required in the day to day work for many individuals and it is usually the responsibility of the employer to provide these. Furthermore, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that these are safe for use. Appropriate training should be given, machinery should be kept updated, and any hazards that arise from the use of these items should be legislated for and prevented.
The workplace itself can prove a hazard, especially if it is not kept in a safe and tidy condition. Floors and corridors should not only be clean but they should be kept free of any hazards and potential dangers for the employees. Even a dusty environment can lead to industrial illnesses and this can be prevented simply through regular, good quality cleaning. Workstations, including desks and the surrounding area, should be equally free of hazards and potential dangers.
Suitable training should be provided to all employees. The lifting of heavy objects requires special training to ensure that injuries and physical illnesses do not develop over time. If an employer fails to provide access to this training then they may be held liable for repetitive strain and other long-term ailments related to the continuous performance of a particular task. Training should be provided for the use of machinery, tools, and safety gear as well.
Safety gear should be provided by the employer to ensure that employees are able to protect themselves from potential harm. Safety boots, dust masks, hard hats, and even hazardous material suits may be required depending on the working conditions and the type of work that an employee undertakes. These items should be kept in good order because items like hard hats will not provide the level of protection that they should if they become damaged or are not cared for properly.
If an employee suffers a workplace accident and it is found that the employer was at fault or negligent then the employee may be able to file a claim for compensation. Compensation values will vary according to the severity and type of injury, but they will usually include an amount for the injury as well as special expenses and to cover any loss of earnings that might be incurred.
Where an employee does suffer an injury at work, they should first follow company protocol. An accident report should be submitted and the accident reported to the health and safety representative. This helps ensure that the company is able to rectify the situation and ensure no further injuries occur but it will also prove beneficial if the case goes to court or tribunal.
MAKING A CLAIM
Making a claim for your personal injuries with Stocks Legal is really easy. You can speak to an experienced personal injury solicitor today by calling 0800 988 9055 or you can use our online claim enquiry form by clicking here. There is no obligation and you have nothing to lose by speaking to us.
About The Author
Mike Topper is the litigation manager at Stocks Legal Personal Injury Solicitors. Mike is highly experienced in all types of personal injury cases. He is highly focussed on client care and getting the maximum compensation that is available for his clients and their families. He rightly sees personal injury claims as a real must for the English legal System as without a proper compensation structure, many injury people can be left with no support or ongoing medical treatment.
If you have any questions arising from this article to can contact Mike by calling 0800 988 9055 or by sending him an email by clicking here.
