Advice On Making A Work Injury Claim
If you have been involved in an accident at work, you may be entitled to make a work injury claim. Proceeding with a claim against your employer can feel scary, but in many cases, it’s a way to move forward with your life following an accident.
Making a work injury claim can be a confusing and stressful process, especially if you don’t have support. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. Whatever your situation, knowing your legal rights and what to do if you are injured can make the process run much more smoothly.
In this guide, we explain what to do if you get hurt while working on a construction site.
What Is The Definition Of A Workplace Accident?
Per the Health and Safety Executive, a workplace accident is considered to be anything that causes you to become injured or has an otherwise detrimental effect on your health. This accident is usually something major, like a fall that leads to severe injury.
It’s important to note that you can’t make a work injury claim for all workplace incidents, not just those on construction sites. Some factors that cause accidents in the workplace are completely out of an employer’s control and can be put down to chance. Still, it’s worth looking into compensation for many work injuries.
Can I Claim Compensation For A Work Injury?
You may be wondering about how severe an accident needs to be before you can make a work injury claim. An easy way to know is to think about whether you need ongoing medical treatment following the accident and/or if you need to have a break from work to recover. Whether you can no longer do your job at the same level or without adjustments is also important.
For example, a common part of construction work is lifting heavy items. If you were involved in an accident as a result of heavy lifting and now have ongoing consequences like severe back pain, you might be able to make a claim. You’ll need to prove that the accident was caused by a lack of workplace safety such as faulty equipment or minimal training.
The above conditions aren’t the only times you can make a claim, but they’ll give you a better idea of whether it’s worth pursuing one. Generally, work injury claims are more likely to have a successful outcome if you have documented evidence to support your claim – more on that below.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Accidents In Construction?
While there are many potential causes of accidents on a construction site, the following are the most likely culprits.
- Firstly, faulty equipment. Equipment that isn’t checked regularly can become faulty, leading to accidents. Never hesitate to voice your concerns to a manager or supervisor if you are worried something isn’t working correctly – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Secondly, slips. Falling over may not sound particularly serious, but tripping over a loose object or losing your footing on a slippery part of ground can cause severe injuries. Construction sites are full of debris that may not have been cleared properly, not to mention you’re often working on uneven ground.
- Thirdly, lifting and transporting heavy objects. Again, this is a common part of construction work that can lead to injury if not carried out properly. Similarly, working with heavy plant machinery can also lead to accidents if staff do not follow their safety training.
- Finally, height-related incidents. Wobbly ladders, scaffolding that isn’t fixed properly, and not wearing a helmet can all lead to a potentially serious accident if you’re working at a height.
Should I Report The Accident At Work And To Who?
It’s important that you report any accidents to a higher-up in your workplace. This can be your manager or supervisor. The accident should then be recorded in a designated Health and Safety accident book – this is one of your legal rights under UK law, so ensure everything is written down.
Another one of your legal rights is receiving medical attention after the accident. Don’t let yourself be pressured into returning to your job if you feel unwell or are injured. This is another reason why you should report any accidents to your manager. If you do need to leave the workplace, there will be a written record of why you did and where you went.
Finally, if you are part of a trade union, let them know about the accident. Some unions offer legal support and assistance that could help you in making a claim.
Do I Need Evidence To Make A Compensation Claim?
In short, yes. Gathering and being able to present evidence is a key part of the claims process. Taking photos and writing a detailed account of an accident will help to protect you. If you are unable to do so yourself, ask a colleague for help.
The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that your case will have a positive outcome and you’ll be able to claim compensation. Details like the time the accident occurred, what caused it (if applicable), and who you were with are a good place to start.
If possible, take photos of the area the accident happened in as well as the surrounding areas. Moreover, save any documentation you receive for ongoing medical treatment. Any proof of treatment you have will help to cement your claim.
In Summary
Working in construction can be dangerous due to the amount of high-level equipment and the potential for accidents. Suffering an injury at work and not knowing the next steps can be tough, but you shouldn’t suffer in silence.
Not only do you have legal rights that can help guide you through the process, but receiving compensation from a successful claim could help to get your life back on track. This particularly applies if you had to leave your job due to an injury.
If you do suffer an injury while working on a construction site, don’t hesitate to seek out medical attention immediately. Inform the nearest higher-up to you and ensure the accident has been recorded. Finally, as mentioned, take photos and gather documentation to protect yourself in the event your employer decides to dispute the claim you make against them.