£65,000 Awarded to Client Following Construction Site Accident

Mr. K approached us for legal representation following a serious workplace injury on a construction site. The injury occurred due to a defective circular saw that lacked a guard, which resulted in the saw’s blade making contact with Mr. K’s hand. As a result, Mr. K suffered a partial amputation of his middle finger and a more complex injury involving the amputation and replantation of his ring finger.

Initially, the Defendant denied liability, asserting that Mr. K was not acting within the scope of his employment and that he was responsible for the accident.

However, we gathered witness evidence to support our client’s case, demonstrating that the injury was caused by a preventable defect in the equipment. Shortly after legal proceedings were initiated, the Defendant made an offer of settlement. Following a period of negotiations, the claim was successfully settled for £65,000.

Health and Safety Regulations in the UK

In the UK, employers have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their workers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This includes providing safe machinery and equipment, adequate training, and ensuring that all tools are in good working condition. The failure to provide safety features, such as a guard on a circular saw, breaches these regulations and puts employees at risk of serious injury.

Additionally, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 outline that employers must provide appropriate protective gear when necessary, and risk assessments must be conducted regularly to identify and address potential hazards. In this case, the defective equipment and lack of safety measures were key factors contributing to Mr. K’s injuries.

By holding the Defendant accountable, this case serves as an important reminder of the critical need for employers to follow proper health and safety regulations and to provide workers with the protection they need to avoid dangerous accidents on the job.

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