Did you know that a quarter of all workplace deaths involving falls from heights are a result of fragile surfaces?
It’s a horrible statistic and we often represent workers who have been injured because of falls through fragile roofs, fragile walkways, fragile surfaces, and when having to use other fragile materials for walking on generally.
So what are you rights? Read on for more information.
There are plenty of workplace health and safety regulations we can apply here. I won’t bore you with the expanse of it but I can tell you at the key relevant parts so you know your rights:
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations say that:
- Floors and traffic routes must be in a safe condition
- Where there are holes or fragile surfaces that cannot be avoided, there should be warnings and cordons
- Workers in general should not be exposed to a fall that could cause an injury
- Windows, skylights, and ventilators must not pose a danger
The Work at Height Regulations say that all employees must be safeguarded from the dangers of falls from height. Measures can include training, supervision, warning, the provision of equipment, and any other reasonable means.
If the fragile surface that has caused your accident is a part of work equipment like scaffolding or plant machinery then The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations can apply where your employer is directly responsibility for the maintenance and suitability of equipment.
I’m sure you can see already just how clear the law is on this. Ultimately no employee should be at risk of a fall caused by a fragile surface, fragile roof, or any fragile material. The dangers can easily be prevented and the duty your employer has is clear and evident.
What this means for you
What this means for you if you are injured by a fragile surface, fragile roof, or fragile material is that you should have a good chance of winning a claim for work injury compensation. You can contact our team 0800 634 7575 for advice on injury work claims today.