Types of Workplace Accidents Scotland

In 2019/2020, there were 65,427 non-fatal work accident injuries reported to RIDDOR, while the Labour Force Survey recorded 693,000 injuries. Additionally, around 1.6 million people suffered from a work-related illness. The risks faced by workers largely depend on the type of work they carry out, and some workplaces are riskier than others.

Factory and Warehouse

Certain workplaces, like factories and warehouses, are inherently more dangerous due to the nature of the job. However, one of the most hazardous sectors is agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

The Most Dangerous Industries

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the most dangerous industry is agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Injury rates for the most dangerous industries from 2017/18 to 2019/20 were as follows:

Agriculture, fishing, and forestry: 3,940 injuries per 100,000 workers.
Construction: 2,760 injuries per 100,000 workers.
Water supply and waste management: 2,560 injuries per 100,000 workers (2017/18 only).
Accommodation and food services: 2,460 injuries per 100,000 workers.
Manufacturing: 2,330 injuries per 100,000 workers.
Wholesale and retail; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles: 2,190 injuries per 100,000 workers.
Public administration and defence: 1,960 injuries per 100,000 workers.
Human health and social work activities: 1,950 injuries per 100,000 workers.
Transport and storage: 1,790 injuries per 100,000 workers.

In addition to traditionally hazardous industries, the health and social care sector also poses significant risks, particularly for manual handling and slip and trip injuries.

Other High-Risk Workplaces

Workplace environments such as offshore oil and gas, mining, docks/ports, logistics, textiles, offices, and the military also carry their own sets of risks.

Workplace Injury Claims Lawyers

Thompsons’ workplace injury solicitors are experts in workplace accident claim FAQs and securing compensation for clients who have suffered injury due to accidents at work. Our team helps injured workers across a variety of industries and secures around £1 million in compensation every week. We also operate on a No Win No Fee basis, giving you peace of mind when pursuing your claim.

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident and are unsure whether you can make a claim, our solicitors will discuss your options with you free of charge. Contact us today on 0800 0891 331 or fill out an online claim form to get started.

FAQs for Work Accident Claims

A work accident is any incident that causes injury in relation to your employment. For instance, if you fall on a staircase in your office building due to a loose handrail, you may be able to claim against your employer if they manage the building. Employers are responsible for the safety of their employees on all business-related matters, even when visiting external sites. In some cases, liability for accidents may be shared between your employer and the owner of the premises.

Accidents in the workplace typically occur as a result of employer negligence. For example, breaching of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Common failings include inadequate training or supervision, issues with safety equipment and unsafe working conditions.

It is very rare for employers to actually bear the cost of a work accident claim. In the vast majority of cases compensation comes from your the "Employers Liability Insurance". It is a legal requirement for all UK employers to have a policy of this type. Furthermore, in the event that you are still employed by the defendant there are a number of legal safeguards in place to protect you from unfair dismissal or discrimination made on the basis of your work accident claim.

You should receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you have suffered injury in an accident at work. You may also be contractually entitled to additional sick pay and may qualify for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Any compensation will be calculated in addition to these amounts.

Yes, this is because claims are made against insurers rather than the employers themselves. At Thompsons, we have a dedicated team who are experts in tracing defunct businesses and their liability insurers.

Although it is possible that your case will proceed through the court, a relatively small minority of workplace accident cases ever reaches this stage. Most cases end with some form of out-of-court resolution. In fact, the courts encourage such an approach.

There are various funding options available to Thompsons' clients. However, it is worth bearing in mind that we offer No Win No Fee funding. This means that unless you win your case, you can rest assured that you will not have to pay to fund your claim in any way.

The work accident claim time limit is three years. However, in cases where it took time for the symptoms of your injury to develop, the time limit begins three years from the date of diagnosis. This means it is possible to claim compensation even if you are retired or no longer work for the former employer responsible for causing an accident.

In many cases you can still claim state benefits even while being the recipient of work accident compensation. Furthermore, Thompsons' work accident solicitors can help you establish a personal injury trust so that you can manage your finances in the way that is most advantageous to you.

It is possible to claim compensation on behalf of a deceased family member, whether or not he or she died as a result of work accident injuries. However, the claim must be brought within three years of the date of death. Similarly, if the pursuer dies while making a claim, the estate can continue on his or her behalf.

In some cases it is possible for defendants/insurers to reach agreement with work accident solicitors to pay an early stage damages award to a pursuer in order to provide for his or her most immediate and pressing needs.

Most work accident claims are proven on the basis of medical records, witness statements and official workplace health and safety documentation. Your solicitor will guide you clearly and simply through all the processes involved with making a claim for work accident compensation.

In some instances the claimant may bear some responsibility for his or her injuries. In such cases liability may be split. For example, if the court feels your failure to wear protective clothing was 75% of the reason you suffered an injury but the company's failure to give you safety training was 25% of the reason your injuries occurred, the court may only award you 25% percent of the damages you would otherwise have received.

Yes. Many of our claimants now live abroad in locations such as France, South Africa and Australia. If you worked in Scotland before you moved overseas, you can bring a claim for compensation in the usual way.

Car Transporter Accident Claims

Car transporters, with their upper decks, ladders, and decking gaps, are inherently dangerous structures. Falls from the upper deck, which can be raised high off the ground, are not uncommon and can result in fatal injuries. The risk increases when loading or unloading vehicles at car dealerships, where individuals may not be properly trained or aware of the hazards.

Avoiding Workplace Accidents on a Car Transporter

Employers in the haulage and dealership industries are legally obliged to ensure their employees work in safe conditions. This includes complying with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Risk assessments are essential to identify hazards, such as ensuring proper edge protection, keeping surfaces clear of trip hazards, and providing adequate lighting.

If you’ve been injured while working on a car transporter due to your employer's failure to follow safety regulations, you may be entitled to file car transporter accident claims.

Driving for Work - Accident Facts

Driving for work carries significant risks due to various factors like poor weather conditions, fatigue, mechanical failures, and other drivers. Commercial drivers spend extensive hours on the road, increasing their exposure to such dangers. Employers must enforce health and safety rules, such as rest periods and vehicle maintenance, to ensure their drivers' safety.

If an employer fails to meet these obligations and you are injured as a result, you may be able to pursue commercial driver accident claims.

What if I’m Self-Employed?

Self-employed individuals are responsible for their own safety, but that doesn’t leave them without protection. If another driver or mechanical failure causes the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. Additionally, accidents occurring on external sites, such as during deliveries to warehouses, could result in claims against the site owner.

Driving for Work - Accident Statistics

In 2020, the Department of Transport reported 2,432 vehicles involved in fatal accidents, many of which were likely being driven for work-related purposes, including:

Heavy Goods Vehicles: 209
Light Goods Vehicles: 176
Buses or coaches: 33
Agricultural vehicles: 27
Taxis and Private Hire cars: 25
Minibuses: 6

Compensation Solicitors for Workplace Accidents

Thompsons' personal injury solicitors are dedicated to helping those who have been injured in workplace accidents, whether it's in a factory, warehouse, office, or on the road. If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, our team will work tirelessly to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s a workplace accident claim, car transporter accident claim, or commercial driver accident claim, we will guide you through the process.

Call us today to start your claim. We offer a No Win No Fee package, so there is no financial risk to you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.

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