According to the Law Society, in the UK alone there are over three million people injured in accidents each year, either at home, in their cars, at work or outdoors. Of these three million personal injuries, a large proportion is made up of work-related injuries and ill health.
Recent statistics from the organisation charged with preventing death, injury and ill health in Great Britain’s workplaces, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), have revealed the real extent of work-related ill health in the UK.
The Health and Safety Statistics Annual Report for Great Britain in 2013/14 states:
- Out of a workforce of over 38 million, approximately 1.2 million people in the UK suffered with work-related injuries (3.15%)
- 2,538 deaths from mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure occurred
- 142 employees were killed at work (2014/2015)
- 78,000 injuries were reported under ‘Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations' (RIDDOR)
- 629,000 work injuries (Labour Force Survey) occurred
- 28.2 million working days were lost in relation to workplace injuries and work-related illness
The Economic Cost to Britain
The annual economic cost to Britain of injuries and new cases of ill health resulting from current working conditions is estimated to be £14.2 billion, based on 2012 prices.
(Source: hse.gov.uk/statistics)
Employers’ Responsibilities to Staff
Health and Safety laws apply to all businesses, no matter how small. All employers and self-employed persons are responsible for health and safety in their business, and must take appropriate precautions to reduce the risks of workplace dangers and provide a safe working environment for their employees, no matter what that environment may be.
Health and safety management should be integrated with the management of businesses as a whole. By taking practical steps that protect workers from harm, employers can also protect the future success and growth of their business.
Claiming for a Personal Injury
If you’ve incurred an injury as a direct result of negligence on the part of your employer, you could be entitled to compensation. If you feel you may have a claim, please contact Howells Solicitors on 02920 404 020 or by emailing info@HowellsLegal.com and we’ll be happy to discuss your case.
The Howells personal injury solicitors can advise you on this area of the law, and help you access financial compensation for the pain you’ve suffered. Strict time frames exist in which compensation claims can be made, so ensure you act as swiftly as possible.
