John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director of National Accident Helpline
Construction sites can be some of the most hazardous workplaces. The latest data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights this and the ongoing and urgent need to address this challenge. In 2023/24 alone, 138 workers lost their lives in work-related accidents, with 51 fatalities occurring in the construction sector. Falls from heights, incidents with moving vehicles, and impacts from moving objects account for nearly 70% of these fatal injuries. These numbers reveal how dangerous this industry remains.
The risks of working in construction extend beyond fatalities; in 2023, another 69,000 workers reported work-related ill health, and 53,000 suffered non-fatal injuries. This reality underscores the importance of a strong health and safety culture across the sector.
However, even with preventative measures in place, accidents may still happen. In such cases, workers are entitled to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial losses, as well as support for their families in the event of fatalities. Unfortunately, many workers remain hesitant to pursue these claims, often out of fear for job security – a significant issue amid today’s economic uncertainties, especially for gig economy workers
Building a culture of health and safety, and preventing future accidents
Employers have a duty to promote a culture of health and safety and follow the correct procedures to protect their employees from workplace injuries. The Work at Height regulations are a crucial piece of legislation aimed at protecting workers who perform tasks at heights. These regulations apply whenever workers operate on ladders, flat roofs, fragile surfaces, or in areas where there are openings, such as holes in the ground or gaps in floors.
Beyond regulations, there are practical steps that employers can take to help avoid similar incidents in the future:
- Setting up strong health and safety policies: It’s essential that health and safety policies are specific to the construction industry and its unique risks. Regular updates are important to keep up with changing risks and new industry standards.
- Providing proper training and supervision: Workers need to understand safety procedures, be able to spot hazards, and know how to effectively use protective equipment. Supervision during on-the-job training is also critical for reinforcing safe practices.
- Conducting thorough risk assessments: Regular risk assessments are key to identifying hazards, and involving employees in this process helps build a collective commitment to safety.
- Keeping communication open: It’s vital for employers to encourage employees to report safety concerns. An open reporting culture is a cornerstone of accident prevention.
- Learning from mistakes: Investigating near misses and accidents, implementing corrective actions, and sharing lessons across the organisation are essential steps in continuously refining safety practices.
Understanding the right to compensation
Even with rigorous safety measures in place, accidents can happen. When a worker is injured or fatally harmed due to employer negligence, they or their family have a right to compensation. However, a recent survey by the National Accident Helpline found that 68% of Brits who suffered an accident that wasn’t their fault did not pursue a claim. Economic concerns make some workers hesitant to take legal action, with 43% citing fear over potential repercussions in their careers or relationships with employers.
Employees should understand that it’s illegal for employers to fire them for making a personal injury claim. Seeking compensation is their right and offers essential support to cover physical, emotional, and financial losses, providing crucial relief to both injured workers and their families after workplace accidents.
Steps for employees to claim compensation after a workplace accident
To claim compensation for an injury suffered through a workplace accident, employees should:
- Report the incident and seek medical attention: It’s essential to create a written record of the incident and keep track of any treatment, care, and expenses related to the accident.
- Gather evidence: Employees must collect relevant evidence, such as photos and witnesses’ details to support the claim. Your lawyer will then take statements and put together the evidence to support your claim.
- Seek legal advice: Consulting a personal injury lawyer specialising in workplace accidents can make the process easier. Many lawyers offer free initial assessments and work on a no-win, no-fee basis, handling paperwork and negotiating fair compensation.
Understanding their rights and knowing how to navigate the claims process empowers workers, helping them to seek fair compensation without fearing for their job security.
Closing thoughts
Safety in the construction industry demands more than regulatory compliance – it requires a commitment to creating a work environment where health and safety are valued as core principles.
Both employers and employees play critical roles in fostering this culture of safety, which not only saves lives but also strengthens overall morale and productivity. By prioritising robust health and safety practices and reassuring workers about their right to compensation, the construction industry can lay the foundations and work towards a safer, more equitable future for everyone involved, brick by brick.