As many of us throughout the UK make our way back into the office for the first time in over a year, there’s a sense of excitement to be reunited with our colleagues, to have meetings face-to-face and to enjoy some gossip over a morning coffee.

Working from somewhere other than our living rooms for the first time in a long time can be a shock to the system, so we need to allow ourselves time to readjust to our workplace surroundings and familiarise ourselves to any potential workplace hazards.

It’s unavoidable, even in adult life, that we’ll often slip, trip or fall. Most of the time, we can just get right back up and brush ourselves off. However, in the workplace, slips and trips can be much more serious. Even relatively modest accidents can result in injury, loss of earnings and other damages. That’s why any accident in a workplace environment should be dealt with immediately.

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we understand the concerns you’ll have following a workplace accident. We have significant experience handling these types of claims so if you are injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, get in touch today, or keep reading to find out more.

 

The Dangers Of Slips, Trips, and Falls

Whilst they may not seem like the most critical of accidents, slips, trips and falls are the single most common cause of injures at work, accounting for a third of all reported major injuries. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that these types of incidents cost employers more than £512 million a year from lost production and other costs.

They can happen anytime anywhere, from offices to industrial settings, and can result in anything from a skinned knee to a broken bone to a long-lasting disability that could prevent you from working for an extended period of time.

It’s important to remember that slips, trips, and falls rarely happen on their own – there is usually a way to avoid them and ensure that you can go about your day-to-day working as safely as possible.

 

Our Top Tips to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

1. Prevention, Not Cure

It’s far better to identify the potential causes of falls, slips and trips in the workplace and rectify these prior to any accidents taking place. Inspect your premises for uneven floor surfaces, trailing cables, wet floors and poor lighting and take the necessary action to remove these risks.

 

2. See It, Sort It

If you identify any risks whether it be a spillage, an obstruction in a hallway or stairwell, or an ineffective or broken light, take action right away. Whether you’re the employer or employee, make sure the appropriate member of management has been notified and swift action is taken to reduce the risk of an accident.

 

3. Be Organised

By ensuring your workplace has an effective strategy to maintaining a safe work environment, can help to avoid numerous injuries and accidents. Make sure firstly to plan ahead, by identifying any potential risks, assign responsibilities so there are key members of staff committed to the upkeep of safety in the workplace and regularly review your workplace safety standards to ensure you’re adhering to regulations.

 

Can I Make a Claim If I’m Injured from a Slip, Trip or Fall in my Workplace?

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. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), all employees have a right to be kept safe from any harm in the workplace

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 limit.

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.