World Day for Safety and Health at Work, on 28th April 2024, is a day to raise awareness globally about the prevention of occupational accidents and ill health.
This year the theme is about the impact of climate change on Occupational Safety and Health. Here we share some examples of how environmental conditions and other factors can bring challenges to those that work.
400,000 workplace injuries are reported each year in the UK
In the UK, according to the Health and safety Executive (HSE) over 400,000 workplace injuries are reported to them each year.
Slips, trips and falls
The most common cause of workplace accidents in the UK are from slips, trips and falls. This could be due to icy conditions, slipping on a wet floor or tripping over objects left on the floor. These types of accidents result in many types of injuries including fractures to arms or legs, serious head injuries and injuries to the back, spine or neck.
Handling, lifting or carrying
Handling, lifting or carrying accidents often result in strains and soft tissue injuries to the back, spine and neck. Many of these lifting types of accidents could be avoided if workers were provided with adequate equipment to help move or carry the item.
Being struck by machinery
Being caught in or struck by moving machinery is another common cause of injury. Examples of these types of accident are: where a worker on a factory line tries to fix a problem on a conveyor and the safety guard or power cuts off, does not work properly; or where there is negligence of a fellow employee dropping equipment onto a work colleague.
Acts of violence or horseplay by colleagues
Despite injury being caused by your fellow worker it may still be possible for you to bring a claim for compensation against your employer on the basis that they are vicariously liable for the actions of their employees.
Falls from height
Whilst these types of accidents are not the most common, they are unfortunately responsible for the highest number of fatalities in the workplace.. The Working at Height Regulations 2005 provide that no work should be done at height if it is safe and reasonably practicable to do it on the ground. If a task cannot be done on the ground, then the work at height needs to be risk assessed and appropriate work equipment provided.
Weather conditions
Even in the UK, weather conditions can endanger health and safety in the workplace. Changing weather patterns have notable impacts on the world of work, and particularly affects the safety and health of workers. Some examples include excessive heat, air pollution and extreme weather events.
How can we help?
At Oliver & Co Solicitors we deal with a vast amount of accident at work claims. If you have been unfortunate enough to have been injured at work, we may be able to help with a claim for compensation. To speak with one of our accident at work specialists call on 01244 312306 for free legal advice.
