All employers have a duty of care and an ethical responsibility to their workers and should ensure staff health and safety is prioritised in the workplace. In some unfortunate situations where injuries are sustained in a work environment, employees can sadly be denied their rights
Figures by HSE show that in 2020/21 441,000 workers suffered a non-fatal injury at work and 51,000 of these were reported by employers. Most of the injuries were as a result of a slip, trip or fall and just over 100,000 were absent from work for over seven days as a result.
We’ll look at the high-risk factors and your legal rights to claim compensation after a workplace accident or injury.
Hazards in the workplace
Risks in a work environment include chemical, biological, safety and physical hazards. Some workplaces pose more hazards than others such as those in the construction industry, environments where asbestos is present and agricultural settings.
Employers in all industries are responsible for carrying out appropriate risk assessments to remove or mitigate such risks and it’s important to remember that every workplace-injured employee has the same rights, whether you’ve suffered from an accident or work-related ill health.
Claiming compensation
Should you be injured due to workplace negligence, you have a right to claim compensation for your suffering and for any loss of income. A professional solicitor can advise you on making a claim for your workplace accident or illness and help you get compensation, but there are a few other steps you should also take:
Seek medical treatment
As well as being attended to by a work first-aider or equivalent, it’s important to see a medical professional at a GP surgery or A & E department for your injury. This will ensure your injury is given the proper care and treatment and will also help support your claim.
File a workplace report
Whether you’re suffering from an illness or an injury, you should make sure it’s recorded with your employer. You should sign the document and ensure all details are correct.
Check your sick pay allowance
It’s vital not to try and rush back to work after an injury or illness, even if you’re feeling pressured, as you need to take the proper time to recover. Make sure you’re aware of any sick pay you’re entitled to and remember that statutory sick pay is available for all employees. You should also make note of any expenses incurred whether that’s through attending medical appointments or having to adjust your home due to your injury or condition.
Following these as a guide will make sure you’re in the best position to claim compensation, should your employer be at fault.
