Office Accident Claims

Copyright (c) 2011 Julie Glynn

While offices do not have the same level of risk as construction sites and factories, they do still pose a number of hazards which employers must address. For example, loose wires and cables must be tucked away, wet floors appropriately signalled, and the correct equipment provided. If an employer fails to take steps to prevent these risks and a member of staff is hurt, there could be grounds for an office accident compensation claim.

Common Types of Office Accident.

Every year Work Accident Solicitors deal with a variety of different claims in which an employee has suffered injury in the office. These can arise for a number of reasons, some of the most common of which include:-

* Slips, trips and falls;

* Lifting or handling heavy objects;

* Defective/ lack of equipment;

* Lack of training;

* Defective electrical products;

* Poor lighting conditions;

* Repetitive strain syndrome;

* Unsafe means of access.

Who is Responsible?

If you have an accident in the office which causes you to suffer injury, you may question who exactly is responsible for your accident. The answer to this question will not always be the same of course, as every work accident will differ. However, what must be considered is whether or not your employer adopted appropriate measures to help prevent accidents in at work.

All employers have a legal duty of care towards their staff. This means they must take reasonable steps to reduce risks throughout the workplace, thereby helping to protect the heath, safety and well-being of employers.

When applied to an office environment, a duty of care means an employer must:-

* Carry out regular risks assessments;

* Implement measures to control/prevent risks identified in risk assessment;

* Enforce a safe system of work;

* Ensure this safe system of work is being followed by staff;

* Provide the correct equipment, which must be safe and not defective;

* Employ competent staff.

If an employer does not take these steps, he/she will have breached their duty of care towards their staff. They will, therefore, be held responsible for any accident or injury suffered by an employee.

Making a Work Accident Claim.

If you have suffered an office accident which you believe was the direct result of your employer's negligence, you need to contact a legal expert without delay. That is because you could be entitled to claim compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced. You will also be able to recover any finances you have lost because of your injury.

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