Effective from 19th July, our Edinburgh office at 16 - 20 Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3AT, will be temporarily closed as we are in the process of relocating. During this period, there will be no staff at this office.

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The rules relating to work equipment are governed by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. This legislation supplements the common law obligation that employers are required to provide their employees with safe plant and machinery.

The aim of the legislation was to focus the minds of employers, to ensure that they thought about the safety of their machinery and ultimately the safety of their employees.

What is ‘work equipment’?

Testimonial - Mrs H Boyd | Thompsons SolicitorsThe Regulations define 'Work Equipment' as "any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work (whether exclusively or not).”

So this means that anything you are using to do your job (for example a hammer, a power saw, a trolley and even a bicycle being used in the course of a postman's employment) are all covered by the Regulations.

In fact, Thompsons Solicitors’ landmark case of Skinner -v- Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed that the range of objects covered by this definition is very extensive. In that case the court held that a needle being used by an ambulance man for an intravenous drip was work equipment.

What does ‘use’ mean?

The Regulations also explain exactly when a piece of equipment can be regarded as being ‘used’ under the rules.

Effectively the Regulations cover "any activity involving the work equipment which includes starting, stopping, programming, setting, transporting, repairing, modifying, maintaining, servicing, and cleaning".

The Regulations apply to employers who provide equipment to their employees at their work. Therefore if an employer gives someone a tool or piece of machinery with the intention of them using this in the course of their employment then, if there is a fault with the machine/tool, the employer will be liable under the legislation.

The legislation also applies to anyone who has control over any equipment and a person at work who is using or supervising the use of the equipment or has control of the way in which the equipment is used.

If you have been involved in a workplace accident and would like free legal advice contact our accident compensation claims solicitors on 0800 0891331. We will handle your claim on a No Win No Fee basis. 

Legal services for 5 1177
Based on 1981 reviews
Excellent
5/5
5 / 5

Guidance and Support

Robert Cranston and his team were very helpful and providing me with clarity and support throughout the whole process. I wasn't sure at first on the process and was anxious as never been in a position like that before. Robert eased fears and was extremely helpful from beginning to end. Thank you

Matthew Weir
20 August 2024
5 / 5

Great guidance and support

Robert and his team have provided really great support and guidance over what has been an almost 5 year process. Having never been in this situation before I wouldn’t have known what to expect or what was reasonable but I have had support each step of the way. Should I have to go through something like this again I would hope to be allocated the same team. Thank you!

Penny Thompson
8 August 2024
5 / 5

Excellent service

I found the whole team of Joel Very helpful and pleasant helpled through my claim explaining everything clearly as we went along Will definitely recommend them to anyone

John turner
25 July 2024
5 / 5

Professional service

Michael handled what was a very complex and long drawn out case with the utmost care and professionalism. He worked tirelessly to negotiate a sizeable settlement and ensured I was kept up-to-date throughout the process plus explained all the legal jargon clearly. Michael was always very polite and kind whenever we spoke and answered all questions and queries with such care. Michael truly is an asset to Thompsons and I would thoroughly recommend him to others.

Rebecca
26 June 2024
5 / 5

claim

Robert help get me get a settlement for my injury at work, he did this in a very professional way and managed to get me the best settlement for my case.

Anonymous
18 May 2024
5 / 5

Robert Cranston and Team

Having been appointed Robert Cranston and Thompsons Solicitors through my union (Unite), I was pleased initially by his great manners and positive attitude to what I though would be a mundane and relatively small job for him. I really wasn't expecting much from the whole experience. I couldn't have been more wrong. Robert gave me sound advice on what to expect, what time frame could be involved, and how many outside agencies could eventually take part in my case. He advised me to go ahead with legal action when I was really unsure as to whether there was any point in pursuing anything. Robert and his team involved a doctor, an employment expert, a pensions expert and even a psychiatrist to work on my case. This all took time and between Robert, and his team, I was kept fully informed and reassured about how things were going. My case was eventually settled at the pre trial meeting and I was given very sound advice as everything progressed towards that point. Ken and then Leo came on side to assist and provide advice with my case in the later stages, and along with Kath, Lyn and Yvonne, all working in the background, everything ended well into the evening at pre trial. Robert was always there for me. Questions were dealt with as I thought of them and I was reassured every time we spoke that I was being very well advised and cared for. Now that it's over, and I have time to reflect, I cannot fault Thompsons Solicitors in any way. I've been looked after since day one. My outcome, having been left with an amputation after an incident at work on another site, has far exceeded anything I could have initially imagined. It will help me and my wife to get on with our lives, which will of course never be as they previously were. I can wholly recommend Thompsons to look after anyone in need of a solicitor. Thank you Robert and the whole team ( Leo, Ken, Kath, Lyn and Yvonne). You've changed our future in the most positive way. With kind regards and best wishes.. Alan

Alan
27 March 2024
5 / 5

Work accident clain

After an accident at work I was promoted by my Union to pursue a claim for compensation

Thomas Duncan
11 March 2024
5 / 5

Excellent Result

First of all I would like to thank Thompson’s for the sterling job they did for compensation in the fight against FDC after an accident at work in 2019. Especially Robert Cranston who kept me updated at every step. He also explained legal format that was beyond my comprehension. Robert succeeded in securing a comfortable financial gain which I am very grateful for.

Anonymous
7 March 2024
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