Accidents at Work
No matter what type of work you do, whether it is manual or office based, accidents can and often do happen at work. They can be caused by a number of reasons. For example, incorrect or inadequate training; not having been supplied with appropriate “personal protective equipment” when required; and poor “housekeeping” on the part of the employer (e.g. failing to keep the workplace free from hazards).
Whilst employers have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees so also do employees have a duty to take care for their own safety whilst at work.
There are a number of steps you can take to try and prevent any accident happening in the first place. If your work requires you to lift or move anything heavy make sure you have been given “manual handling” training that covers the work you are doing. It is also important that, if you have received training, you follow the training guidelines and recommended work practices.
If your work requires you to be provided with safety clothing or equipment (“personal protective equipment”) make sure that the clothing and equipment is adequate for the job and is not defective in any way. You should also ensure that any defective equipment is reported to your employer and is replaced promptly.
Whilst you are at work you may notice hazards such as cables or wires on the floor that could cause someone to trip up, spillages that have not been cleared up, machinery that has been left unguarded or “holes” in the ground that have not been fenced off. If you do make sure that you bring the matter to the attention of your employer and that your “complaint” is recorded. If necessary keep a note of the hazard you are reporting, the date and time you reported the hazard and to whom it was reported.
Despite all the precautions that can be taken accidents may still happen. Your employer should keep an Accident Report Book and should you be unfortunate enough to be involved in a workplace accident then make sure that the accident is recorded in the Accident Book. If you can make a sketch plan of the accident site and make a note of any warning signs, if any, that are on display. Also take details of any witnesses that there were.
Finally, every employer is required to have Employer Liability insurance cover in case accidents do happen at work. The “Certificate of Employer’s Liability Insurance” must be displayed in the workplace and in a place where employees can see it. Make sure that it is and that it is up to date.
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Barry Cramer