There can be many potential hazards at work – these hazards should be minimised by your employers. Your employer may put in place training policies, checks, and inspections in order to minimise risks to your health and safety.
If you had an accident at work that was not your fault, you may have a claim for compensation. Employers have a duty to protect their staff as far as is reasonably possible from risks to their health and safety.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
This is equipment which should be provided by your employer to protect you from risks to your health and safety. This equipment should be provided through no cost to yourself – not even a contribution towards it should be asked of you. The duty of the employer to issue this equipment free of charge is enshrined in regulations in the UK. PPE not only protects from those one-off accidents, such as lacerations to the finger, PPE such as respirators can protect against potentially life threatening conditions such as asbestosis resulting from ongoing exposure to asbestos. The importance of PPE in the workplace is therefore of paramount importance.
Employers not only need to issue PPE to employees, but they also need to check staff are fully trained in its use. Employers also need to check this PPE is properly maintained and stored to ensure it is always working effectively.
Workplace Safety
Employers should have policies in place to make sure the workplace is free of hazards. Examples of this could be regular checks that the floor is free from trip and slip hazards, as well as designated areas for equipment and waste to be stored safely.
Manual Handling Tasks
If your job involves any type of manual handling, you should be properly trained in how to execute the tasks set to you safely. A good example of this is heavy lifting tasks – firstly, there are set limits in place for the weight one person should be lifting at any one time. Secondly, you should be properly trained in safe heavy lifting techniques which minimise the stress on your body.
If you feel that your employer is not following the guidelines as set out above then it is advisable that you bring this to their attention so they can put safety procedures in place. If they fail to act on your reasonable requests, it may be advisable to raise a grievance procedure.
At The Injury Lawyers we know that claiming against your employer can be a mentally difficult challenge. If you have suffered as a result of your employer’s negligence, you are entitled to make a claim through their insurance, and there is nothing they can do to adversely affect your employment. There really is no need to worry.
