Accident at work

Accidents at Work: Common Causes and How to Prevent Them

Accidents at work are a significant issue that affects thousands of workers across the UK each year. No workplace, whether a busy construction site or a quiet office, is free from hazards. The accident at work solicitors specialises in accident claims. We see firsthand how a seemingly ordinary day can suddenly become a life-changing event for individuals. While some accidents happen due to unforeseen circumstances, many accidents can be prevented by implementing appropriate safety measures. The Bonnar Accident Law aims to raise awareness about the most common causes of workplace accidents and how to avoid them.

Read our comprehensive guide on the 20 most common causes of accidents at work and how you can avoid these.

20 Most Common Workplace Accidents

Be it a construction site, a corporate office, a restaurant, a warehouse, etc., accidents at work can happen anywhere, anytime.

Here are the most common causes that our accident-at-work solicitors have dealt with over the years:

01. Slips, Trips, and Falls

How it happens:
These occur when floors are wet, cluttered, or uneven.

How to prevent it:
Clean spills immediately, use warning signs and ensure floors are dry and clutter-free. Regularly inspect flooring for hazards, ensure spills are cleaned immediately, and provide slip-resistant mats in high-traffic areas. Implement clear pathways and use proper signage to warn of risks.

Real-life scenario example:
Sarah, an office assistant in Glasgow, slipped on a wet floor near the coffee machine because there was no warning sign after it was mopped.

02. Manual Handling Injuries

How it happens:
Lifting, pulling, or carrying heavy items improperly can cause back or muscle injuries.

How to prevent it:
Train employees on proper lifting techniques and provide trolleys or lifting aids. Provide appropriate lifting equipment, such as trolleys or hoists. Encourage workers to seek help when handling heavy loads.

Real-life scenario example:
Mike, a warehouse worker in Edinburgh, strained his back lifting a heavy box of tools without assistance or a trolley.

accident at work solicitors

03. Falling Objects

How it happens:
Items falling from shelves or scaffolding can result in serious injuries.

How to prevent it:
Secure all items stored at height, use toe boards, and ensure hard hats are worn on-site. Store items securely, avoid overloading shelves, and use safety nets or toe boards in elevated areas. Require hard hats in zones where falling objects are a risk.

Real-life scenario example:
Liam, a construction worker in Aberdeen, was hit by a loose brick that fell from scaffolding overhead.

04. Machine-Related Injuries

How it happens:
Improperly used or malfunctioning machinery can lead to cuts, amputations, or entanglements.

How to prevent it:
Install and maintain safety guards on machinery and provide training on proper usage. Train employees on machinery use, perform regular maintenance checks, and install proper safety guards and emergency stop buttons on equipment.

Real-life scenario example:
Emily, a factory worker in Dundee, cut her hand when using a machine without its safety guard in place.

05. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)

How it happens:
RSI often results from repetitive tasks, such as typing or assembly work.

How to prevent it:
Provide ergonomic keyboards and chairs, and encourage breaks to stretch and relax. Encourage ergonomic workstations, provide regular breaks, and educate employees on posture and stretching exercises.

Real-life scenario example:
Olivia, a data entry clerk in Inverness, developed wrist pain after months of typing without ergonomic equipment.

06. Electric Shock

How it happens:
Faulty wiring or misuse of electrical equipment can cause shocks or burns.

How to prevent it:
Use qualified electricians for installations, inspect wiring regularly, and educate employees on safe practices. Ensure all electrical installations are performed by qualified electricians, conduct regular equipment inspections, and provide training on the safe use of electrical devices.

Real-life scenario example:
Josh, an electrician in Stirling, suffered an electric shock from faulty wiring in an old building.

07. Workplace Fires

How it happens:
Fires can result from faulty wiring, flammable materials, or unattended equipment.

How to prevent it:
Conduct fire risk assessments, avoid overloading sockets, and ensure staff are trained in fire evacuation procedures. Install fire alarms and extinguishers, and train staff on evacuation procedures. Store flammable materials properly and keep escape routes clear.

Real-life scenario example:
Grace, a retail manager in Perth, was caught in a small fire caused by an overloaded electrical socket in the staff room.

08. Chemical Exposure

How it happens:
Improper handling of hazardous substances can cause burns, poisoning, or respiratory issues.

How to prevent it:
Train employees on chemical handling and supply protective gear like gloves and goggles. Provide proper training on handling chemicals, supply protective equipment like gloves and masks, and store chemicals in labelled secure containers.

Real-life scenario example:
Harry, a lab technician in Paisley, accidentally splashed a corrosive substance on his arm due to improper handling.

09. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

How it happens:
Continuous exposure to loud noises can damage hearing.

How to prevent it:
Provide earplugs or noise-cancelling earmuffs and schedule hearing checks for at-risk employees. Use soundproofing where possible, enforce the use of hearing protection, and schedule regular hearing tests for employees in noisy environments.

Real-life scenario example:
Jack, an engineer in East Kilbride, noticed hearing loss after years of working near loud machinery without ear protection.

Accident at work

10. Vehicle-Related Accidents

How it happens:
Forklifts, trucks, or other vehicles used at work can cause injuries if not operated safely.

How to prevent it:
Mark clear traffic routes, enforce speed limits and ensure operators are fully trained. Ensure all operators are licensed and trained, maintain vehicles regularly, and enforce speed limits and traffic routes on-site.

Real-life scenario example:
Sophie, a forklift operator in Livingston, accidentally collided with shelving due to unclear traffic markings in the warehouse.

11. Stress-Related Illness

How it happens:
High levels of stress can lead to physical or mental health issues.

How to prevent it:
Foster open communication, provide stress management training, and encourage work-life balance. Promote early detection of stress, provide mental health benefits, and offer access to counselling services. Enforce a no-contact-after-work policy to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

Real-life scenario example:
Hannah, a project manager in Cumbernauld, developed anxiety due to excessive workload and lack of support.

12. Falls from Height

How it happens:
This is a major risk in construction or warehouse settings.

How to prevent it:
Use stabilised ladders, and fall protection gear like harnesses, and ensure proper training for working at height. Use fall protection equipment like harnesses and guardrails, inspect ladders and scaffolds regularly, and train employees on working safely at heights.

Real-life scenario example:
Ben, a roofer in Hamilton, fell from a ladder that wasn’t secured properly during a job.

13. Fatigue-Related Errors

How it happens:
Overworked or tired employees are more prone to mistakes.

How to prevent it:
Enforce reasonable working hours, provide regular breaks, and encourage employees to take time off when needed.

Real-life scenario example:
Tom, a junior doctor in Kirkcaldy, made a mistake on a prescription after a 16-hour shift.

14. Workplace Violence

How it happens:
Conflicts between employees or customers can escalate into physical altercations.

How to prevent it:
Train employees in conflict resolution and ensure there are clear reporting procedures and security measures in place. Establish clear policies against workplace violence, provide conflict resolution training, and ensure there is a safe mechanism for reporting concerns.

Real-life scenario example:
Ella, a customer service representative in Dunfermline, was physically attacked by an angry customer during her shift.

15. Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

How it happens:
Working in very hot or cold conditions can cause heat stroke or hypothermia.

How to prevent it:
Provide appropriate clothing and ensure regular breaks in warm areas. Schedule regular breaks in controlled environments, and supply water or heating/cooling facilities as needed. Tailor your work attire according to the temperature at your site or office.

Real-life scenario example:
Noah, a scaffolder in Ayr, suffered from frostbite after working in freezing conditions without proper gloves.

16. Ergonomic Issues

How it happens:
Poorly designed workstations or tools can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

How to prevent it:
Offer ergonomic furniture and conduct workstation assessments to fit employees’ needs. Conduct ergonomic assessments, adjust workstations to fit employees, and supply ergonomic tools such as adjustable chairs and keyboards.

Real-life scenario example:
Lucy, a designer in Kilmarnock, developed neck and shoulder pain from working on a non-adjustable desk.

17. Inadequate Training

How it happens:
Untrained employees are more likely to cause or experience accidents.

How to prevent it:
Ensure all employees receive thorough training and have access to proper supervision. Provide thorough training for all roles, conduct regular refresher courses, and ensure employees understand emergency procedures.

Real-life scenario example:
Daniel, a construction apprentice in Greenock, injured his hand using a power tool he wasn’t trained to operate.

work injury

18. Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

How it happens:
Not using or having access to proper PPE increases the risk of injuries.

How to prevent it:
Supply PPE like gloves and goggles and enforce its mandatory use. Enforce the use of PPE, such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and masks, and educate employees on their proper use.

Real-life scenario example:
Megan, a painter in Dumfries, suffered from chemical burns because she wasn’t provided with gloves when using solvent-based paint.

19. Inadequate Emergency Procedures

How it happens:
Unpreparedness for emergencies, such as evacuations, can lead to chaos and injury.

How to prevent it:
Regularly conduct emergency drills and ensure evacuation plans are communicated and accessible. Develop clear emergency response plans, conduct regular drills, and ensure fire exits and first aid kits are readily accessible.

Real-life scenario example:
George, an office worker in Falkirk, panicked during a fire alarm because he wasn’t aware of the evacuation plan.

20. Poor Housekeeping

How it happens:
Cluttered or disorganised spaces increase the likelihood of accidents.

How to prevent it:
Maintain a clean and organised workplace, and establish daily cleaning schedules. Dispose of waste promptly, and establish regular cleaning schedules.

Real-life scenario example:
Isla, a retail assistant in Motherwell, tripped over an abandoned box in a stockroom aisle.

Why Prevention is Always Better

The statistics are quite sobering when viewed but behind each number is a real person. An office worker who slipped on a wet office floor and fractured their wrist, another whose back strain from improper manual handling left them unable to work for weeks, and someone who suffered severe burns due to inadequate electrical safety protocols; all have stories that highlight preventable gaps in workplace safety. The claim for such injuries can range from a few thousand pounds for minor harm to six-figure sums for life-altering injuries. However, the emotional and physical toll of these accidents often outweighs any financial redress.

The good news is that most accidents are avoidable through proper training, strict adherence to safety policies, and fostering a culture of awareness. Employers are legally obligated to provide safe working environments, and employees must remain vigilant to identify and report hazards. At its core, workplace safety is about protecting people and livelihoods. While compensation provides much-needed financial support in the aftermath of an accident, prevention is always the better strategy.

Hire Accident at Work Solicitors from Bonnar Accident Law

By addressing these common causes of workplace accidents and implementing preventative measures, businesses can create a safer environment for employees. This not only reduces the risk of injury but also boosts morale and productivity. If an accident does occur, consulting an experienced accident-at-work solicitor ensures your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.

Understanding workers’ rights after such incidents is crucial; not just for securing compensation but also for fostering change that ensures others don’t face the same fate. But if you do get into an accident at work, call Bonnar Accident Law. Our accident-at-work solicitors in Scotland are professional experts with vast experience in getting the affected workers the claim they deserve.

We will assess your case, understand your situation, take care of the paperwork while you recover, and get you the claim you deserve for your accident at work. We operate on a no-win-no-fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about the initial payments.

Call us and let us help you!

Accidents in the Workplace: All You Need to Know

What are the most common causes of workplace accidents and injuries

What are the most common causes of workplace accidents and injuries

Whether you work in the construction industry or in a 9am to 5pm office job, accidents are unpredictable and can happen anywhere, at any time.

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, we understand you might feel hesitant to make a claim for compensation due to concerns over your job security. However, your employer has a duty of care to ensure that your working environment is as safe as it possibly can be, so to prevent any accidents as a result of negligence, that could be entirely avoided otherwise.

Whilst nobody can ever predict when an accident will happen, accidents at work remain one of the most common reasons for compensation claims every year; the Labour Force Survey reported that 693,000 workers in the UK sustained a non-fatal injury at work in 2019/20.

In this blog, we explore all you need to know about making a claim for compensation, following an accident at work.

What are the most common causes of workplace accidents and injuries?

  • Slips, trips or falls
  • Faulty lifting and manual handling practices brought on by lack of training
  • Being struck by a falling object
  • Falling from a height
  • Workplace violence
  • Contact with moving machinery
  • Dangerous working practices
  • Poor or non-existent personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Weak risk assessments or poorly enforced safety procedures
  • Preventable spillages
  • Poorly maintained equipment

Can I claim for my accident at work?

If your employer fails to provide a safe working environment and you are injured as a result, you can and should make a claim for compensation both for the injury as well as any loss of work or earnings. In some instances, you may be able to claim even if you caused the accident, for example if your injuries were made worse due to a faulty piece of equipment or if a workplace accident made an existing injury or condition worse.

Whether the accident happened in your workplace or if you were carrying out work for your employer in a different location, whether you’re employed full or part time, and no matter the size of the business, none of these factors affect your eligibility to make a claim. Even if your accident was caused by a visiting member of the public or the actions of a colleague, your employer is ultimately responsible for keeping you from harm in your workplace.

Typically, in the UK you have three years from the date of your accident to make a claim. There are exceptions to this rule however, we recommend if you have been injured in an accident at work, that you get in touch with us as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed well within the time limits.

 

If I make a claim against my employer, will I lose my job?

Employers by law, are required to have employers liability insurance that covers employees who make a claim following an accident at work. This mean that it will be an insurance company you would be dealing with and who would award you the compensation if your claim were to be successful. Additionally, it is illegal for your employer to fire you purely on the basis that you made a claim for an injury at work. If this were to happen, you may then have a further case against your employer for unfair dismissal and could pursue legal action against them.

 

How do I make a claim for a workplace accident?

If you are injured in a workplace accident that wasn’t your fault, any supporting evidence you can gather at that time can go a long way in strengthening your claim for compensation. If you are able to gather any photographic evidence or any witness statements of the accident, these can help to prove your employers’ negligence which is key to a workplace accident claim. Keeping a record of your injuries, any hospital treatment and any financial loss can further assist your case.

 

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we understand the concerns you’ll have following a workplace accident. We’ll take your case on a No Win No Fee basis, covering all the upfront costs to ensure that your claim the best chance of success. We will also deal directly with your employers’ insurance company so you don’t have to worry and can focus on your recovery.

Our lawyers specialise in an accident at work claims and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve to get back on your feet or pay for long-term care and rehabilitation.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

Increase in slips trips and falls

Staying Safe in Extreme Weather

With Storm Dennis only just getting started, slip trips and falls in the ice and wind are a serious risk. 

It’s important to remain cautious and vigilant in such extreme weather conditions. If you are in an area of high risk do not travel. Nothing is as important as your safety, so don’t risk it.

Make sure you look out for areas of black ice when walking and driving, and ensure your car is equipped to deal with emergencies (i.e. breakdowns in negative Celsius temperatures).

Be wary of public spaces like train or bus stations that will have slippery floors due to water being tracked in by commuters and crowd.

A seemingly simple fall can actually have severe consequences – don’t write off your injury if it has affected you with regards to your ability to work or travel, has taken away from your daily activities or has knocked your confidence. If you’ve had an accident within the last three years, you could have a claim, so contact Bonnar Accident Law and speak to one of our personal injury lawyers today to have an easy discussion about what you could be owed, absolutely free of charge. No win, no fee.

Immediate independent legal advice is available for anyone in Scotland, so please call us free of charge on 0800 163 978 or complete our Free Online Claim Enquiry form.

Trips, Slips and falls: How to Claim Compensation 

Slips, trips and falls are extremely common, and can result from misplaced equipment, unmarked wet areas, or defective flooring. If there is a person who should be responsible for your safety (whether at work, or out and about in public areas), then  you could be owed compensation. Call us today to speak to one of our friendly experts to have your case reviewed for free.

Possible injury-causing defects:

  • Broken pavements or walkways
  • Broken or inadequate handrails
  • Road or street repairs
  • Missing drain/manhole covers
  • Construction work
  • Pipe or cable laying
  • Damaged floors
  • Food or drink spillages
  • Wet floors
  • Snow or icy conditions – if the area has not been treated according to an agreed schedule. (The specific conditions underfoot at the time of your accident need to be assessed and the responsibilities of the property owner determined before a claim can be made.)

 

Let our expert legal team help you today — Find out if you have a claim. 

If you’d like to speak to us to assess your slip, trip or fall compensation, don’t delay.

You can complete our Free Online Claim Enquiry or Call us now on 0800 163 978 , and let us help you, today. 

 

work place safety

Accidents at work – latest statistics from The Health & Safety Executive

The latest statistics from the Health & Safety Executive covering 2016:

  • 1.3 million working people suffering from a work-related illness
  • 2,515 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures
  • 144 workers killed at work
  • 72,702 other injuries to employees reported under RIDDOR
  • 621,000 injuries occurred at work according to the Labour Force Survey
  • 30.4 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury
  • £14.1 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions

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health and safety

FFI? Health & Safety wheeze about to hit the buffers?

FFIas acronyms go it’s an ‘open goal’...if you’re looking for a cheap larf that is.

As ideas go, FFI is more of an ‘own goal’ but it ain’t no laughing matter because this particular Government wheeze, introduced last October, is helping to undermine 170 years of progress in workplace safety.

The evidence is that the scheme is spectacularly failing to deliver on its key objective which is: to make companies pay for Health & Safety Executive visits where breaches of health and safety regulations have occurred.

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