When injuries in the workplace happen, the consequences can be significant.
In the most serious cases, they can result in someone being unable to work.
Over time, health and safety at work legislation has reduced the number of accidents that take place within the workplace. Despite this, workplace accidents still occur.
Employers in the UK have a duty of care towards their employees, and are legally required to ensure their workplaces are safe and healthy.
If they fail in this duty of care, the employer can be regarded as negligent.
When negligence results in an accident that leads to illness or injury, the injured party might be entitled to make a compensation claim for damages.
What are workplace accidents?
Work accidents are defined by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) as an adverse event that results in ill health or injury.
This is a broad definition that covers a wide range of potential incidents.
Accidents at work examples could be something as simple as slipping on an over polished floor or as serious as falling when working at height.
What is the biggest cause of workplace injury?
The leading causes of work accidents are slips, trips, and falls that can and do happen in any work environment.
They’re often due to wet floors, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces, and the wrong footwear.
To reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls in the workplace, floors should be dry and clean.
Clear signage should be used for wet or slippery areas.
Slip-resistant mats should be used in high-risk areas, and safety footwear provided to employees if required.
In some workplaces, employees should receive training on proper walking and working on particular types of surfaces.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
Repetitive strain injuries can develop over time due to repetitive motions, poor posture, or overuse of specific joints and muscles.
Some of the common examples of this can include tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
To lessen the chance of RSIs developing, employers should provide ergonomic workstations that include adjustable chairs and desks.
Regular breaks should be timetabled to reduce strain.
Workplace stretching and exercise routines can help employers to reduce the risk of problems developing.
Fall from heights
Construction and other high-risk industries still see significant numbers of falls from ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops.
When they occur, the consequences can be serious so every effort needs to be made to prevent them occurring.
Proper fall-protection gear such as harnesses and guardrails should be provided, and employees should be trained in safe height-related work practices.
Ladders and scaffolding should be checked to ensure they’re stable and in good condition. Regular safety inspections of equipment should be conducted.
Falling from height is among the biggest causes of workplace fatalities, so anyone working at height needs to follow strict safety protocols.
Risk assessments should be conducted before anyone begins working at height, and anyone who is tired, ill, or intoxicated should be barred from working on ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops.
Struck by objects
Falling tools, machinery, or other moving objects can strike employees, often leading to severe workplace injuries.
Prevention requires understanding the risk and ensuring that protocols are in place to secure tools and equipment at elevated positions.
Employees at risk should be provided with helmets and protective clothing.
Designated walkways to keep employees away from risk should be implemented.
Regular safety training on awareness and hazard identification should also be provided.
Caught in or between objects
These injuries occur when workers get caught in machinery, between objects, or in collapsing structures.
They can be highly dangerous, so it’s essential that employers provide proper training for employees on the risks of working with and near heavy machinery.
Proper machine guards should be installed and checked regularly to ensure they are functioning.
Machinery maintenance should be carried out with care.
A clean, organised workplace with easily identifiable routes can reduce the risk of entrapment hazards and work accidents.
Electrocution
Exposed wiring, faulty electrical systems, and the improper use of electrical equipment can all lead to electric shocks and burns.
Ensuring electrical equipment and installations are safe is an essential component of the employer’s healthy and safety responsibilities.
Regular inspections of electrical systems should be conducted, and employees should be trained in electrical safety procedures.
Strict guidelines and practices should be implemented for anyone working near live wires.
Protective equipment such as rubber gloves and insulated tools should always be provided.
Electrical installations and equipment carry significant risks, and so need to be handled with care to avoid workplace accidents.
Vehicle-related accidents
Workplace vehicles such as forklifts, trucks, and other workplace transport are heavy, and can be cumbersome.
Drivers and operators of these vehicles often have blind spots to deal with, making it difficult to operate in some circumstances.
Workplace vehicles can cause both minor and more severe injuries.
No one should operate vehicles without correct training and certification and designated driving lanes and pedestrian routes should be established.
Vehicles need to be maintained and inspected regularly.
Workers operating in vehicle areas should also wear high-visibility clothing.
Exposure to harmful substances
Workers in chemical, pharmaceutical, and construction industries may be exposed to toxic substances.
This can lead to respiratory issues, burns, and other long-term health problems.
Preventing exposure is a serious responsibility for employers.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks, gloves, and protective clothing, should be supplied.
Training needs to be provided too on safely handling hazardous materials.
Proper ventilation needs to be maintained in work areas.
Chemical storage and disposal should be managed through strict safety protocols.
Workplace violence
Acts of violence, from coworkers, clients, or customers, can and do occur at work.
Employers have a duty to be aware of the risk, providing conflict resolution and de-escalation training.
A zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence should be established and reaffirmed.
Security systems can act as a deterrence as well as providing essential protection to frontline staff.
Emergency response procedures should be in place to manage risk across the organisation.
Hearing loss
Workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and entertainment may have prolonged exposure to loud noise in the workplace.
Without proper protection, this can cause permanent hearing damage. Noise-reducing equipment and ear protection should be worn, and regular hearing tests for employees provided.
Time limits for exposure to high-decibel environments can reduce the risk for workers.
Being aware of these risks, monitoring hearing, and taking appropriate remedial action if problems do start to occur, can also reduce the risk of serious long-term damage being sustained.
Preventing workplace injuries
Preventing workplace accidents requires a proactive approach, including employee training, safety protocols, and the correct equipment.
Through identifying potential hazards and implementing preventative measures, employers can significantly reduce the risk of injuries in the workplace.
Awareness and adherence to safety practices can ensure a more productive as well as safer work environment for all employees.
What to do in the event of a workplace injury
If a workplace accident takes place, it’s essential that immediate action is taken.
A prompt assessment should take place to ascertain whether medical attention is necessary.
Report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. The details of the accident should be recorded, including witness statements and photographs if applicable.
You should also seek legal advice and assistance.
At Wafer Phillips, we have more than 25 years’ experience in successful injury claims.
Our friendly, down-to-earth approach and single-minded determination help to deliver the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Contact us today for professional and confidential advice.
