The UK textile industry is one of the oldest in the country. It involves not only the synthesis and manufacture of certain fibres, but the weaving, dyeing and finishing of fabrics and materials as well.
As with all forms of work, employees in the textile industry face hazards peculiar to their sector. Manual handling is a particular risk, and accounts for over a quarter of all the textile worker injuries reported to the Health and Safety Executive each year. In 60% of these cases, the worker suffers a back injury, says the organisation.
Other risks include:
- Explosion – dust from wool and other fibres can cause explosions
- Moving machinery
- Exposure to dust from fibres such as cotton
- Tinnitus or industrial deafness caused by excessive noise
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as those contained in dyes
- Falling objects, such as when bales are not stored correctly
- Fire
- Hand knives
There are also illnesses and health issues that particularly affect textile workers. These include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Noise induced hearing loss
- Occupational asthma
The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) legally requires all employers to undertake a risk assessments throughout all stages of the product manufacture process and to thereby protect the wellbeing and welfare of workers.
The Act requires the following:
- That safety procedures must be displayed where all workers can see
- That workers receive appropriate safety training and equipment
- That suitable protective clothing is worn
- That all reasonably foreseeable risks must re controlled and monitored
If employers breach these duties and someone is injured, they face not only a possible investigation by the HSE, but a possible compensation claim as well.
Contact Thompsons today
If you have had an accident, even if you are unsure whether you may be able to claim compensation, contact our No Win No Fee lawyers today on 0800 0891 331. We can discuss your options and details of the claims process .
We are the leading personal injury firm in Scotland and have secured our reputation winning more than 90% of the cases we take on, securing our clients around £1 million in compensation each week.
