According to HSE statistics, from 2017/18 to 2019/20 there was an average of 85,000 manufacturing-related ill health cases each year, with 41% of these being musculoskeletal disorders, and 38% stress, depression or anxiety.
Furthermore, on average, 66,000 workers per year suffered a non-fatal manufacturing work-related injury, with around one-quarter of these cases resulting in a more than seven-day absence from work.
In 2019/20, 15 manufacturing industry workers suffered fatal work-related injuries (below the annual average of 20 fatalities from 2015/16 to 2019/20). Over the five years from 2015/16 to 2019/20 15% of manufacturing deaths resulted from falls from height, 14% following workers being struck by a moving or falling object, and 14% from contact with moving machinery.
However, manufacturing is a huge industry covering a wide range of sectors and job types, including:
- Engineering
- Food and drink manufacture
- Paper-making
- Plastics
- Woodworking
- Textiles
- Printing
- Ceramics
- Chemical and pharmaceutical
- Metal production and metal working
While each of these sectors has its own individual hazards, those working in manufacturing may face risks general to the manufacturing sector.
More information about the types of accidents and illnesses typical to the manufacturing sector can be found by clicking on the links below:
Thompsons Solicitors secured £60,000 compensation for a labourer injured in a forklift accident at Moray Copperworks. Despite wearing safety boots, our client suffered severe injuries and lost wages. The employer admitted liability, and Thompsons ensured justice for their client by settling the claim for £60,000.
Moray Forklift Accident Claim for Labourer's Foot Injuries
Manufacturing and the “six pack” regulations
Employers may be found liable in compensation claims if it can be proved they have not complied with the “six pack” safety regulations. These are comprised of the following:
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations
- The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
- The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations
Manufacturing Accident Claims
All employers are under a legal obligation to protect their employees from injury and illness, and manufacturers are no different. This means that if you have been injured at work or suffered ill health because of your workplace conditions, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
As one of the leading personal injury law firms in Scotland, Thompsons Solicitors is well placed to help. For FREE compensation claim advice call our specialist No Win No Fee lawyers today on 0800 0891 331.
