How to Avoid Accidents at Work

How to Avoid Accidents in the Workplace

accident at workThe population of the UK is around 60 million and counting. Therefore we have a large workforce that carries out tasks for their employers on a daily basis. There are also a variety of industries that are more “at risk” than others when it comes to accidents in the workplace. Such industries are the construction sector for example.

Everyday people working in the construction industry are putting themselves in harms way potentially as they have a higher chance of getting injured at work. Thus, safety is paramount when it comes to the workplace.

Prevention is better than cure

“It’s easy and cost-effective to prevent accidents at your company. There are three things you can do to help make your workplace safer. 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, especially older people or disabled people.
  • Consider the risks, note any potential problems and do something about them.
  • Record your findings.
  • Regularly review the assessment.

Know the law
It’s a good idea to read up and be aware of:

  1. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
  2. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
  3. Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations (1992)

Government source on accidents at work.

How to Make a Claim for Compensation?

If the accident that you have sustained caused you an injury and was not your fault, you could be entitled to claim for compensation. In order for your claim to be successful, you will need evidence that the accident was not your fault and could have been avoided by your employer. This means that evidence of negligence needs to be recorded such as:

  • No warning signs
  • No training provided
  • Unsafe environment to the knowledge of your employer

A witness is also a key element in making a successful claim for compensation as they can relay on by giving a second opinion as to the above. For more information and to make a claim for compensation, please see Personal Injury Solicitors Manchester or call them on 0161 82 11 229.

Conclusion

Accidents at work can be very serious depending on the type of work you do. They range from serious accidents (usually caused in the construction sector) to non serious accidents (usually caused at the office like RSI). Prevention is key to preserving your health as once an accident occurs, the injuries that you could sustain may be incurable resulting in a possible change of lifestyle.