Workplace Injuries – The most common cause of work injuries and how to prevent them

Workplace injuries are far too common. According to the Health and Safety Executive in 2016/17 1.3 million working people in Great Britain were suffering from a work-related illness, 609,000 injuries occurred at work according to the Labour Force Survey, 31.2 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury and £14.9 billion estimated costs of injuries and ill health from working conditions.

Aston Knight Solicitors, a local solicitor in Bury, are specialist personal injury solicitors helping victims of accidents and injuries at work to recover compensation following a workplace accident. Our team of specialist solicitors have acted for hundreds of clients who have been unfortunate to have been a victim of a work injury.

 

 

People working in different types of jobs face a range of different hazards. The majority of accidents at work are random incidents that can happen to anyone at any time. Not only is it the employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe work environment, each employee also has a duty to themselves to take caution when on the job.

The 10 most common causes for accidents in the workplace are:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety and Stress
• Slips and Trips
• Hazardous materials
• Distraction
• Repetitiveness
• Unsecured furniture
• Lack of training
• Violence
• Lifting heavy objects

Violence at work is one of the 10 most common cause of workplace injuries but is rarely discussed. According to findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales and the Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences and Regulations 2015/16 1.4 per cent of working adults are the victim of one or more violent incidents at work. There was estimated 698,000 incidents of violence at work. If you or a loved one have been a victim of a violent act at work you could be entitled to compensation. In certain circumstances your employer could be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees. If you need advice contact our specialist team today on 0800 999 6661.

How to prevent accidents or injuries at work?

Our experience has shown us that training, diligence and proper safety equipment are key elements to reducing workplace accidents and injuries. It is often easy and cost-effective to prevent accidents at work. The Health and Safety Executive recommends 3 things every employer should and can do to hep make the workplace safer. These are as follows:

Put in place a management system

• Plan: work with your employees to identify potential problem areas and set goals for improvement.
• Train: give your employees the knowledge to identify and take action over potential risks.
• Organise: make employees, including cleaning and contract staff, responsible for specific areas.
• Control: ensure working practices and processes are being carried out properly and keep a record of all cleaning and maintenance work.
• Monitor and review: talk to your employees so they can feedback on how measures are working.

Carry out regular risk assessments

• Look out for hazards like lighting, uneven floors and trailing cables.
• Decide who might be harmed and how.
• Consider the risks, note any potential problems and do something about them.
• Record your findings.
• Regularly review the assessment.

Know the law

Be aware of:

• Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
• Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations (1992)

Aston Knight Solicitors Bury are a specialist firm of solicitors that specialise in serious injuries including medical negligence claims and work injury compensation. If you would like to discuss further please contact a member of our team on 0161 399 1231 or info@astonknightsolicitors.co.uk for a free and confidential discussion.

By Emma Pearce, Solicitor