How much compensation will I receive following a slip or trip at work?

Slips and trips are the most common cause of injury at work, as well as for members of the public generally.

According to guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) year on year, slips and trips cause around 40% of all major injuries suffered within the workplace.

Whatever your field, you will no doubt face a variety of tripping or slipping hazards on a daily basis; it is important that employees and employers alike comply with their legal obligations to ensure safety at work.

What does the law say?

Employees must be careful to not put themselves or others in danger. They have a duty to use safety equipment when provided.

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act) requires employers to take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of employees and anyone who may be affected by their work. This includes taking steps to eliminate or minimise slip and trip risks.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires employees to carry out risk assessments, including an assessment of tripping or slipping hazards. They must take action to address them where necessary.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 requires floors to be:

• Fit for the type of work being carried out
• Sufficiently wide and level
• Well maintained
• Free of obstructions or spillages
• Well lit

It may also be necessary for employers to provide slip resistant footwear where floors cannot be kept clean and dry. Your employer must also consider whether your work place is adequately prepared for weather hazards.

If your employer, or another employee fails to manage the risk of slips and trips within your workplace and you suffer an injury, your life may be turned upside down. In addition to suffering debilitating injuries, you may also face financial uncertainty and wonder how much compensation you are owed for your pain and suffering.

How much compensation can I claim?

How much you will receive will depend on the nature, extent and longevity of your injuries; the table below is a guide to the likely compensation amounts awarded for different types of injury.

The purpose of making an accident at work compensation claim is to put you back in a position financially as if the accident had never happened. In short, you should not be out of pocket because of your injury.

In addition to compensation for your injuries, you can also claim the following:

• Past and future loss of earnings
• Disadvantage in the open labour market
• Medical expenses and treatment
• Care and assistance costs, including any loss of services costs
• Travel expenses
• Aids and appliances
• Adaptations to your home

If you would like to make an injury at work compensation claim, our experienced solicitors are ready to support you; please call our offices on 0161 399 1231 for advice tailored to your circumstances.