Operators of heavy machinery and plant hold great responsibility. The size and weight of the machines they use have the ability to cause devastating damage and therefore need to be safely handled and closely monitored at all times. Failure to do so could potentially result in catastrophic, life-changing injuries and even loss of life.

How can accidents involving plant and equipment be prevented?

When using plant machinery – excavators, cranes, dumpers, bulldozers – there are three key safety precautions that need to be undertaken. These will give workers the best possible chance of staying safe.

• The machines need to be properly maintained – this includes making sure that all the appropriate safeguards (the guards, interlocks, pressure-sensitive mats, etc.) are fitted and operational before the machines are used.
• The machines must be used correctly in exact accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
• Workers on site and those operating the machines must be wearing the correct protective gear and have been suitably trained

These precautions are enforced by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, which requires all plant and equipment to be maintained so that they do not pose a danger to employees and for all maintenance operations to be carried out under the safest conditions possible (this is especially true if the maintenance work has to be carried out at height or in a confined space where hazardous substances may be present).

It is a complicated set of rules, designed to make sure that the equipment provided is fit for purpose and that it is safe.

You can find more information on the Regulations on our Unsafe Work Equipment page.

Personal protective equipment regulations

Employers also have a duty to provide their employees with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles, helmets or gloves where necessary.

The rules governing PPE are found in The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002. In very general terms, they oblige employers to use PPE only as a last resort – if at all possible, the task should be carried out in such a way that the employees will not be exposed to risk at all.

However, when this is not possible, PPE must be supplied. In this case, there are several things that must be made sure of:

• It must be fit for purpose.
• It must be properly stored and maintained.
• Employees must be trained in its use.
• Employees must use it properly.

Can I make a claim?

It is imperative that plant operators take all the necessary precautions to keep the risk of a worker suffering even just a minor injury, let alone a catastrophic one, at an absolute minimum.

However, accidents do still happen, and sometimes the root cause of them is another's negligence. If this was the case for an accident involving either yourself or a loved one, then you should be able to claim compensation.

Thompsons Solicitors have years of experience helping victims of accidents successfully claim the recompense that is owed to them. You can rest assured that with one of our solicitors by your side, you will be receiving honest, straightforward advice every step of the way from a seasoned legal expert who will always put the best interests of you and your family before everything else. Take the first step by calling Thompsons today to discuss your case with a lawyer who is right for you.

For your added comfort and reassurance, this initial discussion will be free of charge, and you are at no obligation to move forward with your claim. But if you do decide to continue, we offer a No Win No Fee Solicitors package, leaving you safe in the knowledge that you won't incur any unnecessary legal fees.

Call Thompsons Solicitors on 0800 0891 331 today, and take the first step towards achieving justice.