The workplace can present an array of hazards which can often cause danger to employees if certain risk assessments have not been carried out, or those in higher positions have not monitored where accidents could occur.
Regardless of whether these procedures have been carried out with efficiency, accidents are still very likely to happen and may range in severity from a simple cut, to broken bones, amputations and in even rare cases – fatalities. Thus, no matter where you work, your employer should be able to provide you with the right equipment and safety gear (such as cbrn gloves and gas masks) to evade any crisis situation without any major issue.
If you have been unfortunate enough to experience an accident or are looking to find out more if you’re worried it could happen to you, here’s all you need to know:
1. Reporting the accident
Regardless of your industry, accidents at work can occur; therefore, the employer should have already carried out a full risk assessment to determine how accidents can be avoided and where safety measures should be put in place to reduce obvious risks. If an accident does happen, they need to be declared to the Health and Safety Department of your local authority immediately so that the next steps can be taken.
2. Accidents need to be recorded
As soon as accidents occur, they should be recorded in a formal accident book, regardless of how minor the injury is. This documentation is crucial because it provides a comprehensive account of incidents that can be invaluable in cases involving intentional actions or negligence. If the situation escalates, consulting Springfield IL Personal Injury Attorneys or other reliable lawyers elsewhere could help ensure that employees receive proper compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and any necessary time off work.
Accurate documentation could not only simplify the claims process but also provide legal protection for both employees and employers by helping them fulfill their obligations and potentially protecting against liability.
3. Receiving sick pay
In the instance of needing to take time off work as a result of injury, you will be entitled to obtain Statutory Sick Pay. Your employer may already have a scheme in place, or they may decide to pay you an extra sum on top of your usual wage, as a result of the accident.
4. Claiming compensation
If you have been injured at work and you believe that your accident is at the fault of your employer, you could be entitled to receiving thousands of pounds in compensation. This does of course depend on the nature of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Discussing your case should be done with an experienced lawyer from a firm such as the one at https://www.larrimer.com/, by doing so you have the best possible chance of a successful claim. It’s also important to handle the claim in a timely manner – claims should be made within three years of the accident so that as much of the evidence as possible is available.
Claims companies such as www.the-compensation-experts.co.uk are specialists in helping victims of accidents get the compensation they deserve. In most cases, victims have to weigh up the consequences of putting in a claim, as they are expected to pay legal fees and court costs which could leave them at a huge loss. Calling a compensation expert on the other hand, will ensure you are contracted to a ‘no win no fee’ condition, which means if you can’t claim any cash, you won’t have to pay out on legal fees.
5. Point out health and safety risks to your employer
Your employer should be aware of where the health and safety risks lie within the workplace, but if you believe that there are aspects which haven’t been covered, feel free to express your concerns.
If your opinions aren’t dealt with and you are concerned for the wellbeing of your colleagues, you can seek outside help, by calling the HSE (Health and Safety Executive for England) who will investigate the case for you.