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Employer's Duty to Prevent Accidents at Work

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Eye protectors and Safety GlovesEmployers are under a legal obligation to do all that is reasonably practicable to protect their staff from harm. This obligation extends to other people who might be affected by the business – such as visitors or customers.

There are a vast number of laws and regulations setting out what employers need to do. Some are legal rules that have been developed by the courts, generally imposing a duty of care on employers with regard to their staff.

Other rules have been imposed by Parliament. One of the most important pieces of legislation is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which sets out the general health and safety rules. This is then backed up by a raft of other Acts and Regulations dealing with specific issues – such as working at height – or specific industry sectors, such as construction.

What are the ways in which employers can keep their workers safe?

In very general terms, employers are required to identify and control the risks that employees might encounter in their workplace. There are a number of practices that can help them achieve this:

  • A health and safety policy – This will show who within an organisation is responsible for certain aspects of health and safety and how these are to be implemented.
  • Risk assessments – These help employers to identify where risks might arise and how they can be dealt with.
  • Consultation with employees – This allows concerns to be raised and for everyone to be aware of and involved in ensuring safety
  • Training – There is no point identifying a hazard if you don’t then tell employees how to manage the risk and why.
  • Providing facilities – Toilets and washing facilities, drinking water, somewhere to eat, heating, lighting and ventilation are some of the basic requirements that go into creating a clean and safe work environment.
  • First aid – A first aid kit is essential in case of accidents or sudden ill health. You should also have someone appointed to take charge in the event of a medical emergency.

Further details are set out in a Health and Safety Executive booklet for employers, called Health and Safety made simple.

In the event that an accident does occur and someone is injured another set of rules comes into play. Under The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR), employers are required to report and keep records of:

  • work-related deaths;
  • certain serious injuries;
  • diagnosed cases of certain industrial diseases;
  • and certain near-miss incidents.

How can I get advice on my claim?

If you have been the victim of any type of workplace accident and believe that it was caused at least in part by the negligence of another, then you may be able to make a valid claim for compensation.

At Thompsons Solicitors, we understand what a difficult time this is likely to be for you and your family, potentially requiring a long period of readjustment and rehabilitation so that you can cope with your injuries. That's why our expert personal injury lawyers are here to help you obtain the redress that you deserve.

Winning more than nine out of ten cases we take to court and recovering over £1 million each week for our clients, Thompsons has all the necessary expertise, care, and compassion to help you with your claim.

To receive honest, straightforward advice about your case today, why not give us a call on 0800 0891 331 and talk things over for free with one of our work injury experts. There is no obligation, and we have a no win no fee package available if you wish to take things further.

 

Legal services for 5 1177
Based on 2023 reviews
Excellent
5/5
5 / 5

Would recommend

Natalie was very supportive and informative from taking on my case to it being finalised. Clear communication, advice and regular contact.

Amanda
2 November 2024
5 / 5

Hard work paid off

After having my case turned down by another company I turned to thompsons hoping that they would take on my case. They did and now after a long time we have had the result we wanted. I cannot thank Joel and the rest of the team that worked on my case enough, they are a credit to thompsons. They supported me continuously throughout and always gave me good information regarding how the case was going and next steps etc.

James allen
25 October 2024
5 / 5

Fantastic

Natalie has been amazing from start to finish. Very informative throughout the process, explaining things to ensure I always understood the process. Met with other employees who were professional and so friendly, making me feel at ease. I felt valued at all times. Would recommend 100%.

Amanda
17 October 2024
5 / 5

Very good advice and explanation of detail for my case

Excellent explanation of my case and very good advice

Jorge silva
4 October 2024
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
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