Preventing Personal Injury Claims In The Workplace

Whilst we are here to help accident victims tooccurred which could lead to an accident.
make personal injury claims, we are also keen toProcedures you should have in place include one
use our experience to provide advice to try andto deal with any spillages (eg do not leave the
prevent accidents happening in the first place. Thisarea of the spillage until another colleague attends,
guide gives you some advice for you to considerdetail how the clean up should take place, and
for your workplace.ensure the procedure includes placing a sign at the
Carry Out Regular Inspections/Risk Assessmentsscene of the spillage warning of the wet area).
Many accidents are caused by inadequate thoughtDo you have procedures in place to ensure that
given to the workplace. At least once a monthany packaging removed from goods received is
you should review all of your premises and lookplaced in special containers and not left lying
for hazards that could cause an accident. Arearound? If you have salesmen driving across the
there wires or leads that are not properlycountry, have to advised them to take rest
covered? Could someone trip over them leadingbreaks to avoid car accidents?
to a personal injury claim against your business?Document Training
Is there unnecessary packaging left around whichIf you provide your employees with training on
could cause someone to trip? Do you providehealth and safety in the workplace ensure that
adequate clothing, seating, heating and all otherthey sign to confirm they have received the
necessary equipment to ensure your employeestraining and the date it is provided. If the training
can carry out their duties?relates to a particularly hazardous activity, ensure
Review thoroughly and consider carefully theit is repeated at regular intervals, again
implications of the Management of Health anddocumenting it on each occasion. Training must be
Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Managementgiven if your employees are required to lift heavy
Regulations) which specifies the need to identify allitems at any time.
hazards that could cause personal injury to yourSeek Professional Advice
staff or members of the public.The advice provided here is intended only as a
Document Proceduresguide and is not to be relied upon. For professional
If a personal injury claim is made against you youadvice you will need to employ a Health and
need to be able to demonstrate that you had inSafety inspector. We can provide you with details
place adequate inspection procedures, asof one if you would like us to. Our contact details
mentioned above, but also that you hadcan be found on our website.
procedures in place to follow if any event