An employer is legally obliged to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees. They have to make sure the workplace is safe and without risk to health. As part of these duties, employers must, amongst other things:-
- Make sure that plant and machinery are safe and regularly maintained, and that the systems used in the workplace are safe
- Provide protective clothing where necessary
- Reduce manual handling to its lowest level reasonably practicable
- Report certain diseases and injuries to the relevant authority
- Provide adequate and safety equipment and facilities
- Take precautions against fire and provide adequate means of escape and means of fighting fire
- Assess the risks that might be involved in work practices.
- Provide safe traffic routes.
Every day employers fail in their duty to protect their employees, often resulting in personal injury and even death. At ASD our expert Solicitors fight to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that there were 1.2 million people suffering from work related injury or illness in 2010. 171 workers were killed and 115000 people were seriously injured. 26.4 million working days were lost to work related injury/illness. The majority of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented if the employer had taken more care. All employees are entitled to work in an environment where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Under health and safety legislation, the primary responsibility for this is down to employers. Unfortunately employers often fail to meet their legal requirements.
If you know anyone who has had an accident at work, make a recommendation for them here.