5 Most Likely Causes of Work Accident Compensation Claims

Accidents in the workplace and consequent accident at work claims are a fact of life. Everyday people are injured or involved in an accident at work, and it’s not just in warehouses or factories either. There are plenty of hazards in an office too that are often the cause of workplace injuries. Any accident that occurs that could have and should have been prevented could be eligible for work accident compensation as stipulated in the current work injury compensation act.

In 2008, there were 28,000 non-fatal accidents in the workplace reported in the UK (figures from the Health and Safety Executive). According to these figures, the top 5 most likely causes of work accident compensation claims are as follows:

Slips, falls or trips caused by wet or greasy floors. It can sometimes be very difficult to see if a floor is wet and slipping is very common when there is no sign or other preventative measure in place. Tiled or marble floors become very hazardous when wet or greasy and can be particularly troublesome for women wearing heels. This is a frequent personal injury at work claim that is made.

Injury caused by moving or falling object. This is another very common accident that occurs in all types of workplace, from warehouses to retail outlets to shops. Falling objects can be easily prevented with the correct procedures and safety measures in place. This is a workplace accident that is completely preventable.

Work related driving accidents. A good example of this is when warehouse vehicles collide. This is not as common as tripping or being hit by a falling object, but it is up there as one of the most likely accident at work claims.

Lifting, carrying or handling injuries. Lifting too great a load or carrying heavy objects often causes muscular strains, dislocated shoulders or even bad backs. This occurs in all work environments and is completely avoidable and unnecessary. That makes it a very common  reason for accident at work claims.

Falls from ladders or scaffolding. Falls of this nature can cause serious damage, so it is always vital that the correct safety measures are in place and all equipment is of the highest quality. If a workplace accident such as this were to occur, a successful claim would be likely.

Aside from these types of accidents that can occur in the workplace, there are a host of other injuries such as repetitive strain injury and eye problems that can be a problem. Poor lighting, badly designed work stations and chairs are just some of the reasons why over time, problems such as RSI can occur. These are just as serious as “one off accidents” and the TUC itself calls for greater awareness and precaution against such injuries in the work place. The TUC states the prevention of RSI requires 'an acknowledgement that workers are not there to provide the flexibility in the system, through contorting and stressing their bodies and brains to cope with poorly designed equipment or systems of work, or through increasing their work rate to accommodate production demands, or because the workforce is too stretched, too cowed or too insecure to complain.'
(http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/index.cfm?mins=397)

If you have been affected by any of the problems outlined above, contact professional accident claim solicitors to find out if you are eligible for work accident compensation. 

For more information on Work Accident Compensation Claims

• hse RIDDOR - report an incident at work
• Health and safety at work  Directgov - Employment
• Necessary steps for pursuing a Work Accident Claim