Accidents in the workplace and workplace related illness are more common than you would think. A report compiled by the Health and Safety Executive, which investigate any work related accident or illness, have published statistics that are quite eye opening to say the least.
The Sources for these statistics have come from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), Specialist Physician and general practitioner reporting (THOR and THOR-GP) and death certificates.
The report reveals that at present, there are 1.3 million workers who are suffering from a work related illness and 1/2 million of this is stress related. Another ½ million workers which make up this 1.3 million suffer from MSD’s (Musculoskeletal disorders) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and various muscle or tendon strains.
A work related illness can include any number of conditions including:
- Back pain
- Occupational asthma
- Occupational dermatitis
- Work-related noise and hearing loss
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
- Upper limb disorders
- Display screen equipment use
- Stress
621,000 employees reported suffering non-fatal injuries at work but interestingly only 72,702 injuries were reported by the employers under RIDDOR. Sadly 144 people were killed whilst at work in 2015/16.
These figures make for depressing reading. We are lucky to live in a country with tight health and safety regulations and government laws and guidelines that all companies should follow to ensure their employees are safe and remain in good health. Yet it is clear that accidents are still happening and workers are still getting ill from their working conditions.
The five worst effected industries for workplace injury are:
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing
- Construction
- Transport/storage
- Accommodation/food service activities
- Manufacturing
In terms of workplace illness, the five worst effected industries are:
- Human health and social work activities
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing
- Public administration/defence
- Water supply/waste management
- Education
Accidents can be embarrassing and stressful and we often blame ourselves when they happen but ask yourself this.. were you given the right tools and equipment for the job? Was the job risk assessed and properly supervised? were you given the proper training to do the job? are all the tools and machinery maintained and fit for purpose? If you are unsure if you are at fault or not then speak to one of our specialist solicitors who find out for you and will handle every aspect of your work accident compensation claim, providing the support and expertise you deserve.
We offer a free initial interview in order to review your specific circumstances and assess the viability of your personal injury claim.
To speak to one of our specialist team call us now on FREEPHONE 0800 1979 345, or complete our simple enquiry form and we can call you back at a time to suit you.
