Warehouse Accident Claims

Warehouses are busy places, filled with heavy machinery, stock, and workers trying to meet deadlines. Unfortunately, this environment can also lead to accidents. From slips and trips to more severe injuries involving machinery, warehouse workers face numerous risks which can lead to life-changing injuries.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were 565,000 reported injuries at work in the UK in the last year. The manufacturing sector, which includes many warehouse operations, reported 16 fatal injuries in 2023/24, slightly up from 15 the previous year.

Our solicitors have handled several warehouse accident claims, many of which could have been prevented with some simple health and safety precautions.
“As legal professionals, we see firsthand how simple safety measures could have prevented many of the accidents that occur in warehouses. It is essential for employers to take proactive steps to ensure their employees’ safety, from securing cables to regular safety training. The impact of an injury can be devastating, not just for the worker but for their families as well.” – Annie Rana, Solicitor.

One example is the unfortunate injury sustained by Ms. Q. She was walking through the warehouse when she tripped on exposed cables, causing a rupture to her ACL ligament. This could’ve been avoided if her employer had followed basic health and safety guidelines.

Trips over cables and wires, especially on pedestrian routes, are common. Her employer could have easily reduced the risk by securely wiring equipment to avoid trailing cables, using cable covers, or restricting access to areas where cables were exposed. If any of these measures had been in place, the accident might not have happened.

For more details regarding this case visit the link below.

https://www.astonknightsolicitors.co.uk/success/175000-recovered-for-injured-factory-operative-following-an-accident-at-work/

Why make a claim with Aston Knight Solicitors?

At Aston Knight, we specialise in personal injury law, serving clients across England and Wales. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for successfully handling cases that other firms often cannot, securing high-value settlements even in cases that have been closed or rejected by larger, well-established firms.

Our approach is based on a key philosophy: while many solicitors can identify issues in a case, few focus on finding solutions. Time and time again, clients come to us after other firms have pointed out problems or challenges, offering negative advice or even closing their cases. While we acknowledge these challenges, our focus is always on finding solutions. This approach has allowed us to rescue countless cases from other firms, building a strong track record of success.

What sets us apart is our collaborative approach, both internally within our team and externally with our clients. Our solicitors are all highly experienced, with over 12 years of professional experience (PQE), and they work together in an open-plan office to ensure the best possible outcomes. This team dynamic, combined with a shared commitment to finding solutions, is central to our ability to achieve results that others cannot.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a warehouse accident or have suffered an injury at work then get in touch with our team today on 0161 399 1231 or click the ‘Contact’ button above to submit an online enquiry and one of our specialist solicitors will contact you to discuss your claim further.

Why warehouse accidents are so common

Warehouses can be dangerous places if proper safety measures are not followed and despite strict health and safety regulations, common causes of workplace accidents in a warehouse setting can include:

• Slips, trips, and falls – wet floors, uneven surfaces, loose cables, and cluttered walkways can cause falls.
• Falling objects – poorly stacked goods or unsecured shelving can lead to serious head, neck or back injuries.
• Forklift truck and machinery accidents – inadequate training, mechanical failures or reckless/careless operation can result in serious injuries at work.
• Manual handling injuries are common accidents which involve lifting heavy or awkward loads without the right techniques or assistance can lead to long-term musculoskeletal damage.
• Lack of training and safety procedures – you employer is required to ensure workers receive adequate training and have access to protective equipment.

If any of the factors mentioned above have contributed to your injury at work, you may have grounds to bring a claim against your employer.

Who is responsible for warehouse accidents?

Your employer has a legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. This includes adequate training, maintaining equipment and enforcing workplace safety measures.

In some cases, liability may also extend to third parties such as equipment manufacturers or external contractors working on site.

If your employer fails to meet these obligations, they are not fulfilling their duty of care. Below are some examples of when this duty of care may be breached:

1. Failure to conduct proper risk assessments: Employers are legally required to assess the risks associated with the work activities carried out in the workplace. If your employer hasn’t done this, they are failing to identify and address potential dangers.

2. Inadequate risk reduction: Once risks have been identified, your employer must take steps to minimise those risks to the lowest level that is reasonably possible. If they have not taken sufficient action to mitigate identified dangers, they are neglecting their duty of care.

3. Lack of proper health and safety procedures: Employers must implement clear and effective health and safety protocols. Failure to put these procedures in place can leave you and your colleagues exposed to unnecessary risks.

4. Inadequate training for equipment and machinery use: Employees need proper training to safely use any equipment or machinery required for their tasks. If your employer has not provided such training, it could lead to accidents and injuries.

5. Failure to train for potentially dangerous tasks: Certain tasks, such as manual handling or working with hazardous materials, require specialized training. If your employer has not provided this training, it puts you at risk.

6. Insufficient provision of personal protective equipment (PPE): Employers are required to provide the necessary PPE for the tasks being carried out. If you have not been given the appropriate protective gear, it is a breach of their duty of care.

7. Provision of unsafe or poorly maintained equipment: Employers must ensure that all tools, machinery, and equipment are in good working order. If you are provided with damaged, poorly maintained, or unsafe equipment, this violates health and safety regulations.

8. Failure to address reported hazards: If you or your colleagues report hazards or faults in the workplace, your employer must take prompt action to resolve them. Failing to fix reported dangers is a serious breach of their duty of care.

9. Unsafe working conditions: If your employer requires you to work in an environment that poses immediate physical danger — for example, in areas with damaged flooring, exposed electrical cables, or poor lighting — they are failing to ensure your safety.

In summary, your employer has a responsibility to create a safe work environment and to take all reasonable measures to protect your health and well-being. If they neglect any of the above duties, they may be held legally accountable for any harm or injury that results.

What steps should you take after an accident?

If you have been injured in a warehouse accident, taking the right steps can strengthen your claim:

• Seek medical attention – first and foremost ensure you seek the medical treatment you require and if possible ask someone to make a note of your injury for example if you have received treatment from the first aider on site.
• Speak to witnesses – it may be the case that a colleague has witnessed your accident, however you were not aware that they did so it is worth checking with your colleagues as supportive witness evidence could strengthen your claim.
• Report the accident – inform your employer as soon as possible and ensure the incident is recorded in the accident book.
• Gather evidence – take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries and anything else you consider would be considered as evidence to support your claim.
• CCTV – request your employer not to delete any footage.

If you have suffered any type of injury at work, you have the right to seek compensation for not only your personal injury but also the financial loss resulting from the accident. We are here to support you and guide you through the process and if you think you have a claim and wish to discuss it further, please do not hesitate to give us a call.