In a workplace environment, there are strict rules in place that mean your employer must adhere to important health and safety legalisation to keep you safe in the workplace. The rules are vast, and they range from general workplace health and safety, covering traffic routes for example, to manual handling, protective equipment, general equipment, etc.
As specialist injury lawyers we deal with all sorts of personal injury claims. Accident at work claims are fairly common; especially ones involving slipping over in the workplace. As the title of this article suggests, we will be focusing on leaks at work that cause accidents.
Leaks in the workplace could arise from all sorts of things – water leaking from the roof, or leaks from faulty fridges, equipment, or anything like that. Normally a leak is a hazard that is easily picked up on. You notice some water accumulated on the floor, most people either investigate it or at least mention it to a manager or supervisor. Either way, as soon as your employer is made aware of a leak, an important duty is born for them to make sure that something is done about it!
Because your employer is responsible for keeping you safe in the workplace, it’s their job to make sure that something is done to make sure that the leak does not end up being a hazard to any employees or visitors to the premises. Warning signs or cordons at the very least should be erected if the leak can’t be stopped or fixed. There has to be something in place so that people are aware of the hazard to prevent anyone being injured as a result of it.
If your employer ignores the leak, and someone ends up slipping over as a result, they may be liable to compensate the victim of their ignorance. The duty is for the employer to take all steps to look out for your health and safety in the workplace. Ignoring a leak that poses an obvious hazard for someone to slip on is failing in this duty.
If you have slipped at work due to a leak, give us a call on our free claims helpline on 0800 634 75 75 today for expert friendly advice about your options for starting an accident at work claim. Your employer has a legal duty to have a policy of insurance to cover people for these claims. All we need to do is make sure we get the best settlement from the insurers in the shortest possible time.
