Accidents at Work Claims Involving Slips, Trips and Falls
As an accident at work claim Solicitors we recognise that slips, trips or falls can occur almost anywhere within the workplace. Slips, trips and falls at work are the single most common cause of accidents and injury in the workplace, accounting for over a third of all major injuries at work. It is estimated 80 workers are injured every day because of slips, trips or falls accidents at work.
Who is at Fault For an Accident at Work Claim?
Employers have a duty of care to workers to ensure that the workplace is safe. If they fail to ensure a proper safe place and safe system in the workplace and a worker suffers an accident at work involving personal injury, the employer will be liable to pay compensation for the accident claim.
What the Law Says
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all workers. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 provides that floors need to be safe, in good condition and free from obstructions, e.g. escalators and moving walkways should function safely. Common accident risk hazards involve trailing wires along the floor, spilt liquids and obstructions. All will contribute to slipping and tripping accidents at work, which must be adequately controlled or eliminated.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 builds on HSWA concentrating on the importance of an employer’s duties to assess risks in the workplace. The Regulations specifically refers to slips, trips and falls accidents at work and for employers to take action to safeguard health and safety in the workplace.
Liability Insurance For an Accident At Work Claim
Every employer is covered for an accident at work claim by compulsory liability insurance. This means that the compensation payment for the injury and losses will be paid by the insurer and not the employer. We understand as accident at work claim solicitors that some workers worry about making a injury claim against their employer but as the insurance company will pay the compensation and that there are numerous employment laws in favour of the worker, there should be little concern to make an accident at work claim through solicitors.
How Slips, Trips and Falls at Work Are Defined
Slips, trips and falls each have their own complexities so it is crucial to differentiate them:
- Slip – accidents at work claims; happen when there is too little friction (or grip) between footwear and the walking surface, e.g. water, oil or dust on the floor.
- Trips – accidents at work claims: happen when a worker’s foot is suddenly stopped from moving forward when it hits an object in its path, causing a stumble or fall, e.g. tripping over a trailing cable, boxes or loose carpet edging.
- Falls – accidents at work claims: can occur as a result of slips and trips but can arise independently. There are two basic types of falls: same level falls which can be due to potholed surfaces and falls from heights, e.g. improper use of ladders and scaffolding.
Accidents at work involving an injury can be traumatic often resulting in broken limbs, cuts and bruises. All to frequently accidents at work can be devastating leading to serious head injuries and even fatal accidents at work. In 2008 a total of 61 people died and more than 14,000 suffered serious injuries at work.
Anyone suffering an accident at work should claim through expert personal injury solicitors. Please contact us for FREE LEGAL ADVICE under our NO WIN NO FEE SOLICITORS scheme.
