All workplaces have the potential for danger and it is the responsibility of the employer to take adequate measures to safeguard their employees. If any employer has been aware of a potential hazard but failed to act to protect workers and an accident happens, they may be liable and a claim for compensation can be made.

If there are known hazards, you need to be made aware of them and properly trained in your duties in order to avoid danger. For example, if your job entails lifting, you should be trained to lift in the correct manner to prevent injury. Regular checks should also be made to ensure that such safe working practices are adopted as the usual practice.

An obvious example of an employer being in breach of this duty is when office floors are left wet or cluttered by such as files or cables, causing an employee to trip or slip. Providing suitable materials, equipment and know-how can prevent most accidents from ever happening.
You must be provided with safe and suitable equipment with which to do your job, receive adequate training in its use with appropriate supervision and be given knowledge of inspection and maintenance to ensure continued safe use.

Employers must ensure, to the best of their ability, that all employees are competent in their jobs and that another person’s actions will not put you and others at risk. If one employee injures another through improper use of equipment, as a result of horseplay or due to a drink or drugs problem, then the employer is potentially liable.

Accidents at work should ALWAYS be entered in the accident book. You should also tell your employer of the circumstances and your injuries and make a note of all witnesses.
If you have had an accident at work within the last two and a half years, Beresfords Solicitors may be able to help you receive compensation and you should contact us as soon as possible.

Beresfords Solicitors specialises in industrial claims and we are dedicated to recovering compensation for the injuries caused by employers ignoring the potential dangers faced by their workers and failing to take adequate preventative measures.
Our company size and the relations we have built over the years put us in the enviable position of being able to secure the services of leading medical experts. We have won thousands of pounds for thousands of people who have suffered injury through accidents at work.