Compensation for Failure to Maintain a Safe Working Environment

Making sure employees are safe and well should be at the forefront of any workplace. Sadly, there are times when employers drop the ball and don't give their workers the safe conditions they deserve, putting them in danger.

PSR Solicitors is your support system when you need it most. We are a well-established and highly respected law firm, and our team comes packed with a treasure trove of experience, especially when it comes to handling workplace injury cases. You don't have to tackle this journey alone – our team is here to guide you.

So, let’s dive into what it means to have a safe workplace, look at what happens when that's ignored, and provide some valuable direction for those who've been hurt on the job to secure the compensation they deserve.

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Health & Safety at Work Experts

Understanding a safe working environment

Employers aren't just supervisors; they're actually responsible, by law, for ensuring that the workplace is safe. This rule is laid out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. That means they have to make sure equipment is working well, teach employees what they need to know, create safety rules, and always watch out for any possible risks.

Consequences of overlooking workplace safety

In 2022-23 alone, we lost 135 people because of work-related incidents. Shockingly, 21% of those tragedies happened because of moving and falling objects. It's a big wake-up call for employers to step up and safeguard their workers. And if that doesn't hit home, let's break down what can go wrong employers don’t prioritise your health and safety.

Putting your health and happiness at risk

Unsafe working conditions can put your health and happiness in jeopardy and subject you to a wide range of injuries. These injuries can vary from minor incidents to devastating accidents that can result in life-altering disabilities.

Decreased productivity

Unsafe conditions can make employees unhappy and unengaged. Feeling unsafe at work can also take its toll on your emotional state, leaving you feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. It's tough to perform at your best when you're constantly worrying about your safety.

Compensation battles

After a work accident, you’ve got the right to seek compensation for your injuries. However, this process can sometimes be an uphill battle, with the potential for disputes over medical expenses or lost wages.

Rebuilding trust

When accidents happen at work, you may lose trust in the company. You might start wondering if your bosses are really committed to your safety. In turn, this can disrupt your peace of mind and make it difficult to feel comfortable and content on the job.

Don’t forget, if you get hurt at work because of unsafe conditions, you have rights. It's a tough situation, no doubt, but reaching out for some legal advice from our experts at PSR Solicitors can really help ease the burden. We can guide you through this maze with confidence, so you don't have to face it all alone.

When the duty of care towards maintaining a safe work environment is breached, a variety of injuries can occur as a result. These injuries, resulting from employer negligence, provide the basis for an unsafe work area claim. Here are just a few examples:

Slips, trips and falls: These seemingly minor accidents can have significant repercussions. A simple slip or trip could lead to head injuries or broken bones, impacting your overall well-being and livelihood.
Accidents involving machinery: Mishaps involving machinery can cause severe injuries, and the trauma from such incidents might also result in psychological distress.
Chemical incidents: Failure to provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) against corrosive substances can lead to chemical burn injuries, causing both physical harm and emotional trauma.
Falls from heights: A fall from a height is a high-risk situation. The consequences of such incidents can often be devastating, as falls from height account for 40% of fatal injuries in 2022-23.

However, it's important to note that for an injury to be eligible for an unsafe work area claim, it must be the result of employer negligence. You need concrete evidence that the breach of duty of care directly led to your injury.

Wondering if your work conditions are actually unsafe? No worries – our knowledgeable advisors are here to assist. We can help you figure out if negligence is a factor in your situation. Depending on what's going on, you might even have the option to hold off on working until your employer sorts things out or investigates further – but there are a few conditions:

You genuinely believe that the conditions could seriously hurt you or worse.
There's an immediate and pressing danger, so there's no time to wait for official reporting.
The issue can't be fixed by you and your employer.
You don't have any other reasonable choices.

Don't hesitate to reach out to our advisors today. They're ready to listen, evaluate your circumstances, and provide you with the essential guidance you need. Your well-being matters, and PSR Solicitors are here to help you pursue the justice you rightfully deserve.

When it comes to your workplace, safety is not a privilege – it's a fundamental right. If you find yourself in an unsafe work environment, you must understand your rights and the legal options available to you.

You can report health and safety issues to the HSE if you believe your workplace is not safe. If the issue can be resolved in-house, talk to your employer or union representative. Otherwise, you can contact HSE via their report concerns page. HSE will investigate the issue and take any necessary action.

It's important to be aware of the time limit for filing an unsafe work area claim. Generally, you have a 3-year window from the date of the incident to make a claim. However, exceptions exist. For instance, if you were under 18 at the time of the accident, the time limit is suspended until you reach legal adulthood. During this period, a designated "litigation friend" can file a claim on your behalf.

The impact of ignoring health and safety rules

When it comes to health and safety rules, your well-being is at stake. Companies are legally obliged to make sure that their workplaces are safe for employees like you. And if they drop the ball on this, it can spell trouble, so it's good to know what it means for you.

If your company ends up on the wrong side of these rules, the Health and Safety Executive might give them a friendly warning to straighten things out. But things can get serious real quick. Breaching these rules could lead to fines, and we're talking potentially up to £20,000. And if there's a real threat to people's lives, the penalties can get even more severe, with unlimited fines or even jail time on the cards.

Now, if you've been hurt because of unsafe practices, here's some potentially good news – you might have the right to make a claim against the company and seek compensation for your injuries.

Here in the UK, the Health and Safety Executive has an impressive 94% success rate in prosecuting cases they uncover, showing how seriously they take these matters and how it can potentially benefit you if you've been harmed due to negligence.

Ensuring your own safety should be a top priority

Keeping safe at work is something we all have a role in. It's essential to know your rights and understand the potential risks in your workplace. Being aware of what could go wrong helps you stay alert and take steps to protect yourself.

To stay compliant with health and safety regulations, it's important to be aware of your employer's responsibilities and how their negligence could impact you. If you see any risks or unsafe practices, don't hesitate to speak up and report them. When everyone on the team looks out for each other and prioritises safety, you can all contribute to a safer working environment where your well-being is protected.

Contact our Unsafe Workplace Claims Solicitors

Every employee deserves a workplace where they feel safe and secure. It's not just a preference – it's a basic right. Employers are legally bound to provide this level of safety. When they don't, it's not only the employees' health and well-being at risk; it also puts employers in a tight spot legally and financially.

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to unsafe working conditions, it's time to take a stand. Your health and happiness matter, and seeking the compensation you deserve is your entitlement. Contact PSR Solicitors today to understand what steps you can take and how to secure the compensation you need. Always remember that your safety is priceless. Holding employers accountable for their negligence isn't just for you – it's for the safety of every worker.

Your key contacts for Unsafe Work Environment Claims

PSR Solicitors are recognised experts in Unsafe Workplace compensation claims in North Wales & Cheshire.

Richard Layfield LLB

Solicitor - Head of Personal Injury

As an experienced personal injury and civil litigation Solicitor, I represent Claimants in all manner of personal injury case work including injuries as a result of Road Traffic Accidents, Accidents at Work, and Occupiers Liability Accidents. I handle all types off personal injury claims from the minor right through to complex, serious injury claims.