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.

Please be assured that it is business as usual. You can continue to contact your solicitor by phone or email for any assistance or to discuss your case. We appreciate your understanding and are committed to ensuring that our services remain uninterrupted during this transition.

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Bulldozer working on landfill siteIf you work in the landfill or incineration sector and have suffered a workplace injury or developed an occupational illness, we can help you consider your right to compensation under Scottish personal injury law. Contact us today for more information.

Landfill sites

Despite concern regarding their environmental sustainability, landfill sites still account for the vast majority of waste disposal in the UK and Scotland.

If you are one of the nearly 300,000 workers in the waste and recycling industry and work on or around landfill sites, there are a number of particular hazards that you are likely to come across. These include the following:

  • Decomposing waste - this can generate gases, which are liable to ignite and explode. Some of these gases can also be toxic
  • Moving vehicles – Landfill sites use vehicles of all different sizes to move and bury the waste. Pedestrians should be kept away from these and care should be taken to design safe routes, including edge protection, for the vehicles to move through the site.

Incineration

Another form of waste disposal is incineration, which is often used when dealing with hazardous materials, such as clinical waste. Special regulations are therefore in place to protect both workers and the environment from the effects of hazardous substances involved.

The major hazards

According to the Health and Safety Executive, there are four major hazards associated with the waste and recycling industry. These are as follows:

  • Ingestion - Swallowing liquid or material which is toxic
  • Skin contact – Caustic substances, especially through cuts and grazes. Also contact with hazardous substances through the eye’s mucus membrane
  • Sharps injuries - Skin punctures from objects which may be carrying harmful substances
  • Inhalation - Exposure through breathing in dangerous substances such as asbestos

Additional information on the source of the hazards, the risks they pose and reasonably practicable control measures that can be used to prevent or control exposure can be found on the occupational health page.

More information about accidents in waste and recycling can be found here.

Help claiming compensation

 Whatever type of waste disposal is involved, the employers and owners of the sites involved are under a legal obligation to do all they can to provide a safe working environment for their employees and those visiting the facility. If they do not, and you or a loved one are injured as a result, then you could be entitled to compensation for any illness or injury your sustain.

Thompsons is the largest personal injury firm in Scotland and brings with it the authority and credibility you need in order to secure the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. We win more than 90% of the cases we take on and, under the terms of our No Win, No Fee agreement ensure that unless you win your case you will not have to pay a penny to fund the cost of your claim.

To talk to an expert about making a claim, call 0800 0891 331 or click here.

Legal services for 5 1177
Based on 1977 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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