Accidents at work can be
particularly traumatic depending on the type of work in
which you may be engaged and, injuries sustained may be of the utmost seriousness. Despite a plethora of directives and regulations telling employers how work places should be set up, what safety equipment should be provided in particular circumstances and the level to which employees should be trained, there continues be an alarming number of accidents at work taking place. In 2007/2008, it was reported by the Health and Safety Executive that more than 2.1 million people were suffering from illnesses which they believe were caused or made worse by their work, there were 299,000 reportable accidents and 229 prople were killed.
It is not always easy
to lay the blame for an accident on an employer.
Sometimes unavoidable
accidents occur and nobody really is to blame but, equally, the employer may be at fault even when that is not immediately apparent. Also, there are many health and safety regulations which make an employer liable to compensate even where the employer is not to blame. You are welcome to call Accident Aid for free advice if you are in any doubt as to your position. We will usuallly be able to tell you right away whether you have a claim worth pursuing.
As with any type of claim
for compensation for personal injury, it is helpful
if certain steps are taken as quickly as possible
after your accident and, by way of a guide, we have listed those which may be appropriate in general circumstances. Clearly, the priority is always to get the appropriate medical assistance but, subject to that, you should consider the following :-
- Note the details of any
witnesses to the accident. Take this action as quickly
as you are able.
- Report the accident to your
employer and ask your employer to enter the relevant
details in the accident register.
- If you are able to, take
photographs of the machinery or other equipment which
caused your accident and injury. Where your accident
was a result inadequate training or instruction to do
a particular job, it is maybe important to take
photographs of the equipment that you were working
with or the place in which you were working.
- Make a note of the layout of
the area in which you were working recording the
position of any machinery, tools, colleagues and any
other relevant items at the time of the accident.
- Keep a record of any financial losses
and expenses directly resulting from your accident
/ injury. These may be items such taxi
fares to and from hospital and /or to your
general practitioner, for example. You should
also retain any damaged clothing or personal effects,
such as watches or jewellery, as these may be
important pieces of evidence on liability as well as
the amount of compensation.
- Finally, call Accident Aid for free and impartial advice as to any claim which may be made for the recovery of compensation for your personal injury and any other losses arising out of your accident at work.
Of course, each
accident is different and there may be many other items
which should be recorded or preserved. Please call us
for specific advice in individual circumstances.
