Employment

Common Worker Compensation Claims in The UK

workplace accidentIn the UK, it is the duty and responsibility of every employer to ensure the health and safety of each of their employees from the moment they step into the workplace.

Whether this is by providing the proper training tools or by making sure the working environment is safe and up to code, you should feel safe at work knowing that your employer takes your personal safety to heart.

But unfortunately, accidents do happen and when and if they do, you may need to file a workers compensation claim so that you can be provided with the funds necessary to cover any medical bills or even your everyday bills if you are able to return to work for an extended period of time.

So what are some of the most common worker compensation claims being made in the UK and what can you do to make the process of submitting a compensation claim go smoothly?

1) Faulty equipment in the workplace:

Injury as a result of faulty equipment is quite common in the workplace and can happen in a factory, a construction site or even in an office.

This type of injury more commonly occurs in the manufacturing industry and according to the HSE and the labour force survey, accounts for 56% of faulty equipment related injury.

Potentially responsible for a number of injuries and illnesses, it's important they you keep an eye out for faulty equipment and if you don't feel safe, have your employer check on the status of the equipment before you continue working.

It is your employer's duty to have any and all equipment in the workplace regularly checked to ensure the safety of their employees.

2) Slips and falls

People fall, slip and trip every day and while sometimes they happen as a result of our own carelessness, they can also occur due to the negligence of an employer.

While falls from heights (that can often cause severe injury or even be life threatening) occur most commonly in the building and construction industry, slips and trips can happen anywhere and can result in painful strains, sprains or broken bones.

If you experience a slip, trip or fall in the workplace, you must be able to prove that you received the injury as a result of your employer's negligence before filing a claim.

If your accident happened as a direct result of an unsafe work environment, including things like uneven flooring, loose cords, or a flooded floor due to a leak, try and take a photo or video of the scene to help with your claim. Also, if a fellow employee witnessed your accident, have them write out a statement.

Be sure to inform your employer immediately after the accident, that way they can make the required improvement before the same thing happens to someone else.

3) Repetitive Strain Injury

This type of workplace injury involves conditions that are caused by the repeated use of a certain body part like the hands, wrists or neck and usually happens to people working with computers or who perform other repetitive tasks on a daily basis.

Common conditions of this type are carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.

These injuries are also quite common and affect many workers in the UK each year. But many employers include benefits like massage therapy and chiropractic services, so look into you policy and take advantage of the services available to you.

And if you are provided with a poor work area, like a cramped desk and uncomfortable chair that forces you to hunch, take a photo to help aid your claim.

4) Hazardous substances

Employers must ensure that all workers that handle hazardous substances and/or chemicals are provided with the necessary training and the correct protective equipment to prevent possible exposure.

If you feel you are not receiving the correct training or equipment, do not handle the substance. And if you are currently experiencing symptoms, document them to help with your claim.

5) Injury as a result of lack of training or inadequate safety equipment

An occupational injury claim can be made if your employer failed to provide you with the equipment and training required for you to do your job correctly and safely.

Document, or keep a copy of all training materials you receive to help with any possible future compensation claims and if you received none, get statements from your fellow employees stating that they also received no such training.

If you are suffering from a workplace injury or illness you may contact Compensation Claims Co today and begin working your way back to recovery without having to worry about your bills.

This is a post by Ashley Williamson. Ashley is a writer and an occasional blogger. When she is not working she likes to travel and read as much as she can.

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