There is no doubt that safety standards among UK companies have improved dramatically over the years. However, accidents do still happen and the consequences can be devastating for those involved. It is no surprise then that individuals who are harmed while performing their roles sometimes take forward work accident compensation claims.
One man who knows only too well how traumatic workplace accidents can be is pipe fitter Matthew Maxwell. The 70-year-old was involved in a fall from height while conducting his duties. He had climbed to the top of a ladder to measure up a section of pipework that was to be replaced at a site in Newarthill, Scotland.
As he reached out to take the measurement, the ladder slipped down the wall until its top hit a cable tray, causing it to bounce up into the air. Mr Maxwell was thrown off and hit the ground, striking his head. Due to the force of the impact, he suffered bruising to his ribcage, a sprained thumb and a cut eye. He was unable to return to work for seven weeks.
During a recent hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court, the firm involved pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety laws and it was fined £8,000.
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to put processes in place to ensure that personnel did not undertake activities that could put them at risk if working alone. It also discovered that there was no suitable training or supervision for working at height with ladders. Furthermore, there was no ladder register in place which would have allowed the firm to monitor the condition of the items and ensure they were maintained in a safe condition.
Commenting on the case, HSE inspector Eve Macready said: “This was an entirely preventable incident and one which could have been even more serious. It was fortunate that Mr Maxwell’s fall was, in effect, broken when the ladder hit the cable tray. The risks of working at height are well known and are relatively simple to manage.”
According to the expert, by failing to have suitable risk assessments and safe working practices in place at the factory, the firm put Mr Maxwell at unnecessary risk of injury. Ms Macready added: “To compound the issue, by not having a procedure in place to properly assess and register the condition of its ladders, the company also failed to ensure that equipment was safe to use.”
Seeking work injury compensation in the wake of accidents like this can seem like a daunting procspect. However, with the right legal team on their side, people should find that it is relatively straightforward. While securing accident at work compensation cannot undo the harm people suffer, it can help them to cover any financial losses they incurred as a result and it can also bring individuals a sense of empowerment and justice.
By heading online, individuals should be able to find the legal assistance they require quickly and easily. For the best results, it is important that they choose a firm with the necessary experience and skill.
About the Author – Anna Longdin is a freelance blogger who has written extensively on the subject of work-related accidents for a number of sites, including WhatsMyClaimWorth.