Accidents can happen. Even with the most careful of people, it is impossible to totally eliminate risk. However, in the workplace, it is important that people know the correct procedure and reduce risk as much as reasonably possible. Here are a few things that employers and employees alike should be aware of when it comes to accidents in the workplace.
Have a logbook
Any accidents should be noted down so that there is a record of what happened and what treatment may have been necessary. This is important if it is an employee, a customer, or a visitor being treated. The information logged will provide evidence, so you can show that steps were taken to look after someone and that it can be shown what happened at the time.
Risk assessment
An employer should also provide risk assessment. For example, people in warehouses should know the correct way to lift with the knees in order to prevent back pain, while any mechanical assistance should be available.
There should also be a nominated first aider so someone can treat an injured person if necessary. While you are not legally obligated to pay a first aider extra, some companies do choose to do this.
Sick pay
Generally speaking, someone who is off work because of an accident is only entitled to statutory sick pay, though some companies may offer additional compensation depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries caused by it.
Making a claim
If you feel you have not been adequately compensated for an injury, you can make a claim against your employer. If you choose to do this, then you have to do it within three years of the accident in question.
Legally, an employer has to be insured in order to cover a potential claim. People sometimes make the mistake of thinking this is about getting more money than this is worth. This is not true- a claim is about receiving money that you would have got if you had been working, as well as potentially covering the legal costs involved.
Get help
It is recommended that you check your contract to see what you are entitled to in the event of an injury. If you feel your employer is being unreasonable, you can also discuss this with a union representative or your local health and safety executive.
It is important to emphasise that this is about helping people who have been injured in an incident that was beyond their control. At Larcomes we strongly believe in offering support to people who need it, and usually, the people who have been injured want to get back to work but can’t because of the injuries they have sustained.
The motto of Larcomes has always been “Big enough to specialise, small enough to care.” We know that going through a career-threatening injury can be very stressful, and we want to help you through the process as well as represent you. To find out more or to talk your case in more detail with a legal specialist, please contact us today.