Workplace injuries are far more common than most people realise. While we often think of workplaces as safe environments, accidents can happen in even the most well-maintained settings.
If you’ve been injured at work, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next.
Are workplace injuries common?
Workplace injuries are unfortunately a frequent occurrence. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were around 604,000 workplace injuries reported in the UK during 2023-2024.
These range from slips, trips and falls to more serious accidents, like machinery-related incidents or repetitive strain injuries. Even in seemingly safe office environments, people can suffer from work-related stress or injuries due to poor ergonomics.
Employer duty of care
Legally, your employer has to provide a safe working environment. This includes ensuring that safety equipment is in place and appropriate training is given to prevent accidents. If you’ve been injured at work, and it’s due to the negligence of your employer, they may be held responsible.
For example, if you work in construction and your employer hasn’t provided the necessary safety gear or training, and you’re injured as a result, that’s a failure of their duty of care.
Can you make a claim?
The good news is that you usually can, as long as the injury is a result of your employer’s negligence or failure to maintain safety standards.
Personal injury claims can be made by employees who have suffered due to their employer’s actions or inactions.
It’s important to note that there are time limits to making a claim. In most cases, you must make your claim within three years from the date of the injury. While that might seem like a long time, it’s always better to act sooner rather than later.
The claims process
The claims process typically begins with reporting the injury to your employer. This is important for both your health and safety and for creating a record of the incident. You should seek medical attention, even if the problem seems minor.
Sometimes, things like sprains, strains or even stress-related conditions can worsen over time, so getting documentation from a healthcare professional is crucial.
Once you’ve reported the injury, you can contact a solicitor who specialises in these types of claims. They will help you assess the strength of your case and guide you through the process. Typically, your solicitor will gather evidence, including medical reports and witness statements, to build a case for compensation.
If the claim is successful, you could be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost earnings and any pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of the injury. In some cases, if you suffer long-term consequences, compensation might also cover rehabilitation costs or necessary adaptations to your home or workplace.
