After an accident, the lingering question often echoes: “How could this have been prevented?” It’s frustrating to wonder what could have been done differently to avoid an accident resulting in injury. That’s precisely why, during Injury Awareness Week 2024, APIL is directing attention to the impact of avoidable workplace injuries.
The Mission of Injury Awareness Week
Injury Awareness Week, an annual initiative led by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), serves as a vital platform for sharing essential information, tools, and resources with the public. This collaborative effort aims to foster support and drive proactive measures nationwide to prevent accidents.
There have been a number of laws and procedures put in place to protect employees from risk of harm over the years. Including but not limited to:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Display Screen Equipment Regulations (DSE) 1992
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
In a recent blog, APIL’s Chief Executive Mike Benner highlighted a sobering statistic: despite the protections of these acts, 560,000 individuals suffered workplace injuries last year. These incidents resulted in a range of injuries, from vision loss to burns, lacerations, fractures, and tragically, loss of life.
Benner also addressed a concerning trend, the emergence of a “justice gap”. Shockingly, only 5% of those injured at work in 2022/23 pursued compensation, a stark decline from the 14% who did so in 2018/19.
Accident at Work and Employers Liability
The regression in workplace personal injury claims may be influenced by the current cost of living crisis, among other factors. Understandably, many individuals are hesitant to file claims, fearing potential retaliation or job loss for pursuing compensation for workplace injuries. But this is very rarely the case.
Employer’s Liability is when an employer neglects their duty of care to ensure workplace safety, leading to accidents and injuries.
Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment. This involves conducting regular risk assessments, providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring machinery and tools are in safe working condition, and promptly addressing any potential hazards. Communicating these risks to staff and rectifying them swiftly are essential components of this responsibility.
If you experience an accident at work, it will likely be covered by your employer’s liability insurance. This policy, taken out by your employer, covers any injuries or illnesses sustained on the job. Employer’s liability insurance protects both the employer and the employee, ensuring that any compensation for your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity is paid by the insurance company. In most cases, your employer will have minimal involvement in the claim process, so you don’t have to worry about facing your boss directly.
Stonehewer Moss Solicitors have dealt with thousands of accident at work claims nationwide, securing compensation for some of the most seriously injured people in the UK.
Learn More about Injury Awareness Week 2024
Injury Awareness Week 2024 is all about bringing awareness to preventable accidents at work, sharing knowledge and resources. You can find more information about Injury Awareness Week and how you can get involved via the APIL Facebook page and Instagram. For further content surrounding accidents at work and how to make an injury claim, check out the Stonehewer Moss Solicitors Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channel.
APIL Accredited Law firm Stonehewer Moss Solicitors Can Help
APIL accredited firm Stonehewer Moss Solicitors are a specialist personal injury firm in based in Cheshire, operating nationwide. Our team of personal injury experts hold a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with accident at work injury claims of all natures. Whether you have fully recovered or are still suffering with your workplace injury, Stonehewer Moss are here to help.
We offer free 30 minute consultations to anyone looking for advice regarding an accident they have had. This can be by telephone, in person or via zoom depending on your preference.
If you have had an accident at work and are thinking about claiming compensation, get in touch with Stonehewer Moss today to get the answers you need.
Talk to our claims solicitor
Call us on freephone 0800 434 6544 or 01606 87 22 00
Email us at info@stonehewermoss.co.uk
