7th August 2006

Safe Work Equipment The Key To Preventing Accidents at Work

Health and Safety in the Workplace

Work equipment comes from a multitude of sources, not just your employer, therefore it is pivotal that all equipment before use is properly assessed and in accordance with safe working practices in order to prevent accidents in the workplace.

If the apparatus is not suitable for its intended use then by law it is the supplier of the equipment that is liable for any injury sustained. This is regardless of whether or not the accident could have been anticipated.

This code of practice was first employed by Clear Answers' solicitors in a case in which a farmer loaned his neighbour defective equipment in order to complete a job.

Employers can not always be held liable if they have sent employees to undertake assignments on a different site and an accident occurs. Often it is the occupier of the premises that is liable as they should have taken the necessary steps to ensure a safe working environment.

Successful Accident at Work Claim

Clear Answers' solicitors recently undertook a compensation claim on behalf of a pest control officer for the local council. He was assigned to a local school to remove some bait boxes that had been positioned on a previous visit. One of these boxes had been placed under a table and as he went to reach it he cut his hand on a sharp object on the underside of the table.

The man in question lodged a successful personal injury compensation claim against the school under the Occupiers Liability Act. The act states that the occupier of a premises owes a duty to another to minimise any such risk that could lead to them sustaining an injury. In this case the court ruled that it was reasonable to expect the school to have checked the equipment at the time that it was put in place to ensure that it was safe. If this had been the case then it is almost certain that the accident could have been prevented.

Claiming Compensation

If you have suffered an injury due to an accident at work which was not your fault, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

Clear Answers' Solicitors are experts in dealing with personal injury claims and may be able to assist you on a cost-free basis.

For more information, telephone us on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.

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