Top 10 Common Workplace Accidents and Your Rights

Injuries at work still happen, and a lot of them are caused by accidents or not following safety rules. The Health and Safety Executive reported a total of 441,000 non-fatal injuries at work in 2020 and 2021. These injuries happened in a wide range of industries, such as construction, hospitality, agriculture, and offices.

Injuries at work can range from minor incidents to serious accidents that can make it hard to do your job or live your life. This article will talk about the ten most common injuries that happen at work and how you can get paid through personal injury claims.

Any harm done on the job is considered a workplace injury. Even though stricter health and safety rules have cut down on these kinds of accidents, they still happen at work because of careless bosses and unsafe conditions. Here are the ten most common accidents at work:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls

In the UK, slips, trips, and falls are the most common accidents at work (as much as 33%). Usually, they happen because the floors are slippery from not being cleaned properly or from things being spilt. Wet floor signs must be put up by employers to warn workers and make sure the floors are safe to walk on.

• Handling, Lifting, or Carrying

Strains and sprains can happen at work when you have to lift or carry things. Employers should teach workers the right way to lift heavy things and help them when they need it.

• Struck by a Moving Object

If you get hit by a moving object, like falling objects or vehicles like forklifts, you could seriously hurt yourself. To stop these kinds of accidents, employers must provide training and safety measures.

• Violence and Aggression

People who have been victims of violence at work may be able to get money if their boss didn’t do enough to keep them safe. You might also be able to get money for criminal injuries.

• Falls from Height

Working at heights can be dangerous, so you need safety harnesses and a lot of training. Falls from ladders or scaffolding can cause serious injuries or even death, so strict safety rules are needed.

• Cuts and Lacerations

When you use machinery or blades, you could get cut or tear something. To prevent and treat these kinds of injuries, people must have access to the right safety gear and first aid.

• Exposure to Loud Noises

Hearing loss can happen if you work in noisy places like concert halls or construction sites. Hearing problems like tinnitus and hearing loss can be avoided if employers provide the right hearing protection.

• Inhalation of Toxic Fumes

When you work with dangerous chemicals, you could get burns, eye and skin injuries, or long-term health problems. Safety gear like goggles and gloves should be provided by employers.

• Crashes

Crashes at work can be small or big, and they can usually be avoided. Getting machinery operators the right training and licenses and making sure the workplace is safe are all important steps.

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

RSIs, like carpal tunnel syndrome, might not seem serious at first, but they can cause health problems that last a long time. To keep workers from getting RSIs, employers must give them the right training and support.

If you want more information, check out Examples of accidents at work and injury claims

If you got hurt at work because of someone else’s carelessness or that of your boss, you may be able to get paid. The lawyers at SilverOak Solicitors have a lot of experience helping people get paid after accidents at work. We can help you through the process and make sure you get the money you’re owed for your injuries.