With the unemployment rate falling, more and more of us are entering the world of work. With that in mind, it is essential that you understand not only your rights as an employee, but also your employers responsibilities, if you were to be involved in an accident in the workplace.

Often accidents are no ones fault, but there are certain incidents in the work place that can render your employer negligent. By law your employer has certain responsibilities to keep you safe at work and they must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this. These include, but are not limited to:

• Risk assessments should be carried out to assess all risks that could potentially cause harm in that particular workplace.
• Employees must then be informed about all the risks in that environment, along with training on how to deal with such risks.
• To provide protective clothing where necessary.
• There must be adequate first aid appliances available at all times.
• Adequate precautions against fire and accessible means of escape.
• Control of noise, fumes and dust.
• Doors & gates should not be obstructed.
• The workplace must be kept in a tidy and safe condition –including all hallways/corridors etc.

If for any reason your employer has failed in maintaining their responsibilities, they could be liable for negligence should an accident occur – in which case you may be entitled to personal injury compensation.

However, it is important to note that, although your employer has certain duties with regards to health and safety, you also have a duty of your own. All employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety at work and also anyone they work with – meaning your employer may not always be held accountable.

If you are unsure whether you, or any one you know, may have a negligence claim against an employer, then contact Poole Alcock today on 0800 389 7093. Our Litigation team have a wealth of knowledge and experience in these sorts of situations and would be happy to assist you with any queries you may have.

As the saying goes, accidents ‘don’t just happen.’