Working at Height

STV reports that an employee of the Early Learning Centre has received almost £10,000 in compensation after sustaining an injury having fallen off a ladder at work.  Ms McLachlan was trying to get a toy from a shelf at an Early Learning Centre in Glasgow when she fell off the ladder.  As a result of the accident, Ms McLachlan sustained soft tissue damage to several areas of her body, and had to go to hospital for treatment.  Despite her attendance at hospital, Ms McLachlan still has pain in her back which has rendered her unable to drive or walk long distances without the need for a break.  She has also subsequently had to enlist her daughters to help her with her household chores and the weekly shop.  On this occasion it would seem that the ladder which Ms McLachlan had been using was faulty.  Ms McLachlan sued the Early Learning Centre for breaches of the Working at Height Regulations 2005 as the ladders were unfit for purpose as the legs splayed when she was using them.

Accidents at work happen on a daily basis, and a lot of these occur when employees are working at height.  The Working at Height Regulations 2005 are there to help lower the amount of these types of accidents occurring.  To do this, these regulations set out that all employees who work at height should have there duties properly planned and supervised.  Part of this duty entails that all the equipment that is to be used to help the employee reach the height they need to be at is to be properly checked and certified before its use.

If you are in a trade that frequently uses ladders or scaffolding for instance, and you believe you have had an accident that has resulted from you working at height, please get in touch with a quality personal injury lawyer who can advise you on any potential claim you may have.  If you have been injured whilst working at height, and this injury occurred through no fault of your own and within the last three years, then you may have a potential claim.  Firstly we ask that you report your accident in the accident book at work and seek medical attention.  Then, secondly, get in touch with a specialist injury lawyer who can provide you with some free legal advice.