Accidents always happen in the workplace, especially on construction or agricultural sites. In 2021/22, the Labour Force Survey found workers reported 565,000 non-fatal injuries. One hundred fifty thousand of those resulted in over a week’s absence from work.
Workplace accidents are not only dangerous to the person injured, but they can also take a huge hit on your company. It’s important to manage these incidents appropriately and ensure you take the proper measures to prevent them from happening again.
What is the most common accident in the workplace?
Slips, trips and falls on the same level are the most common type of workplace accidents. These types of injuries can occur in any workplace, whether it’s an office building or a construction site. They are responsible for 30% of workplace injuries and should be taken seriously.
Handling, lifting, and carrying is the second most common type of accident. This is more specific to roles that involve lifting heavy objects, such as in retail or agriculture.
The other most common accidents are getting struck by a moving object, acts of violence, and falling from a height.
Do you work in a dangerous sector?
It will come as no surprise that the most dangerous workplaces are in construction, agriculture, forestry, and fishing. In 2022/23, 45 construction workers died due to a workplace accident, making it the most dangerous industry in the UK. Furthermore, 21 workers died in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and 15 in manufacturing. These industries come with a lot of dangerous machinery, heavy materials, and tricky terrain.
What to do if you have an accident at work
If you have an accident at work that isn’t your fault, you should carry out the following steps:
– Report it to your employer
– Take photos of what caused the accident
– Get contact details of witnesses
These three steps ensure everyone is aware of the incident and exactly what happened. If you need to file a claim with a solicitor, you have the necessary information needed.
Jonathon White, Legal and Compliance Director at National Accident Helpline, said: “Our National Accident Helpline survey found that nearly half of working Brits (44%) worry they could lose their job if they make a claim against their employer. However, employees should feel assured that they will not lose their jobs for bringing a legitimate claim for compensation if they have suffered an injury which was not their fault. It is against the law to discriminate against an employee for making a claim.”
Accidents in the workplace happen often, but you can take measures to reduce the risk of them happening again. Stay on top of your risk management process and keep your team as safe as possible.
