Accidents at Work

An accident at work is impossible to avoid! If it happens, it happens. It's something you didn't plan and it's an incident you have to live with. There's over 70% of the population working on business premises, if not, it's business transports. So be warned now as accidents never sleep.

Work accidents are not common as there is a huge impact from Health and Safety. Checks are carried out periodically to ensure a workplace is free from hazards, to prevent accidents. If however, they do occur, the cause of the accident is investigated and future prevention is carried out. So there is always a big helping hand from the Health and Safety Standards.

If an accident at work does occur, it's embarrassing. Colleagues can't believe it happened to you and become more precautious with their role. They feel sorry for you for now, not being able to competently complete your role. So they give you a hand. Initially there's remorse all around... it becomes an understanding culture.

After a while it becomes a pain, especially for your colleagues who keep putting a halt to their job to help you. Frustration arises and in their heads they'll be thinking. 'Now he's taking the ****!' But you're NOT! You are the one that had the accident at work and your body welcomes injuries in different ways to others. After a while tension gathers in the atmosphere and by now you're reported to the supervisor and disciplinary action is just round the corner.

You feel let down. In a workplace environment, business is business, no matter who you are. You have your own targets and deadlines to achieve. If they're not met, you will jeopardise your position. This is the game for any business. Each worker has a family to feed, so they need work to fulfil that criteria.

Also an accident at work can possibly jeopardise your position. It could prevent you from carry out your 'full' responsibility. Initially everybody understands, but after a while they'll be thinking 'it was only a small fall'. But only you know it wasn't just a small fall. It's not only made an adjustment to your working life, it also messed up your social and family life. You can't sleep, shower properly, play sports or even have sex. But only you see that side of the picture, your colleagues don't. They only see you at work.

Back to your working life... over time, the supervisor now reports you to the person above and you're just waiting for your name to be called to see the manager. Now it's going to hit you. You're either, get laid off, get demoted, or transferred to another department. This is where it hurts the most. The managers can't do anything but take necessary actions to ensure your position is 'fully' meeting its targets.

But he's your best friend... so, it's not his company and even if your best friend doesn't take action against you, someone above his ranking will take action against him. So either way something will happen to your role. Remember, if a business does not fulfil its role to provide product and services to its' buyers or users, then the definition of business is not fulfilled.

So now what... are you thinking of an accident at work claim? It's been 11 months since your injury and now you're thinking of you an injury claim!? If you took action at the early stages of your accident, by now you would have been in a better position.

Nevertheless it happens all the time. Workers 'think', been with the company for so long, they won't do anything outrageous. Well you can't predict the future and neither can they. But what they can predict is your work performance, past, present and future. They forecast the future of their business and you should forecast your work future.

However you're scared thinking who'll be the bread earner if you lose your job. Let's worry about that in a minute, but first let's put the cards on the table...

Making mistakes is common practice as you know, nobody's prefect. Everybody learns from mistakes and ensure they don't make the 'same' mistake again.

Anyway, you make a mistake at work, you get told off, make another, you get told off again. Now if you keep making mistakes over time, what the hell do think is going to happen. Your supervisor is going to start looking over your record and start taking disciplinary action against you. First verbally, then in writing. Theses aren't the same' mistakes, but they're made according to your supervisor. Think about it this way, what happens if your supervisor makes a mistake, what will he do? Remember you can only report to the supervisor, there is no contact between you and his supervisors!

Back to the making mistakes... what happens if the company makes a mistake...?

Stuck aren't you... you can't think of much besides making a complaint.

If an accident at work occurs, it gets logged and depending on how serious you look in the eyes of the company, you'll be 'kindly' given days or weeks off. Being compensated for sick pay, which you know isn't much!!! The injury affects your 'life', not just your work and the company gives you a couple of days to recover. Now that's a joke!

No matter what action is taken against you need to make an accident at work claim. Why? This is the only 'powerful' solution you have over the company if they make a mistake.

Now you're both sailing in the same boat.

It's easy to claim compensation. An accident at work is also a battle with your social and personal life and that's why a system which provides a NO Cost, No Fear, No Confusion and No Risk factor can only lead you to success.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mohammad_Latif

Accidents at work happen every day in the UK, and the latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive for 2008/9 show just how many and what type of work accidents have been reported by British workers in the last year. Here are the top 7 facts about the 2008/9 accidents at work and ill health caused by work.

1. Ill health caused over one million absences from work in 2008/9

A total of 1.2 million people had to take time off work in 2008/9 due to an illness caused by their work. According to the HSE, work-related illnesses typically include illnesses like asbestos-related illnesses, asthma, cancer, deafness, infections, lead exposure, musculoskeletal disorders, skin disorders, stress and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

2. There were 180 work-related deaths in 2008/9

Accidents at work caused 180 deaths, including 26 in the agricultural industry, 53 in the construction industry, 32 in the manufacturing industry and 63 in the services industry. The figure of 180 deaths is lower than the average number of deaths per year due to accidents at work over the last five years, which was 231. There were also 94 members of the public killed in accidents connected to accidents at work, including railway-related accidents.

3. 'Only about half' of all 'reportable' injuries were reported

Accidents at work caused 131,895 injuries which were reported to RIDDOR. However, Labour Force Survey statistics showed that in fact there were a total of 246,000 reportable injuries in the workplace. The big difference between these two statistics, showing 'reported' and 'reportable' injuries, is because in reality only about half of the injuries from accidents at work that should be reported to RIDDOR are actually reported.

4. There are many more non-reportable, work-related illnesses

Reportable injuries include any injury which caused the worker to be off work for more than four days, although there are many more injuries which cause employees to take less than four days off work. The HSE estimates that there were a grand total of 726,000 accidents at work altogether.

5. Workers have an average of 1.24 Days off work due to work-related illness

Workers took a total of 29.3 million days off work, 4.7 million due to injuries caused by accidents at work and 24.6 million due to work-related illness. The total days lost equal an average of 1.24 days per UK worker.

6. The government strategy - Revitalising Health and Safety - is working

There is currently a scheme in place called 'Revitalising Health and Safety' ('RHS') is a 10-year government strategy, begun in 2000, which aims to improve health and safety in the workplace, reducing accidents at work and injuries to employees as a result. The RHS target has been to reduce the number of days taken off work due to accidents at work and work-related ill-health by 30% between 2000-02 and 2009/10. Statistically, progress appears to be on track to meet the target in time for 2009/2010.

7. You may be able to claim compensation

If you have suffered an injury due to an accident at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Compensation amounts for work accident injuries vary according to the seriousness of the injuries and amount of lost earnings due to time taken off work following the accident. Businesses are insured for compensation claims payouts so, if you claim against your employer, their insurance company will pay your compensation. You cannot legally lose your job because of making a compensation claim.

National Accident Helpline are specialists in helping people claim compensation following accidents at work, such as construction accidents.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_A_Parker

Most of the common accidents at work can be prevented provided both employees and employers consider it as their duty to prevent accidents at their work place. Employers are required to perform risk assessment for probable accidents that could happen in their work place and adapt necessary methods to prevent accidents in the health and safety procedures practiced by them. Employees must strictly follow the health and safety measures adapted by their employers and help to avoid accidents in their work place.

Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common accidents at work which can cause minor injuries to serious injuries. The preventive methods suggested to reduce this type of accident includes providing safe flooring design, hiding irregular cables, providing warning signs if some place is temporarily slippery or wet, cleaning the floor regularly and providing sufficient lighting and hand rails wherever applicable.

Manual handling of heavy things by lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving can cause work place accidents where injuries can be sustained is common in work place. The best ways and preventive methods required to reduce this type of accident is as follows.

o Worker should not be made to handle heavy things to a long distance.

o Should train the worker with adequate lifting practice.

o The work should not involve massive reaching upwards, twisting or stooping.

o Should allow taking sufficient rest periodically.

o Wherever possible should use goods lift equipments.

Electrical shocks are common accidents at work which can cause electrical burns to electricians and employees who need to operate electrical equipments. Following are the best ways and methods required to prevent electrical shocks.

o Should ensure that the electrical equipment is well maintained, designed and appropriate for working.

o Provide safety cutouts in the equipment.

o Train the staff properly to operate the equipment.

o Provide warning if there is any electrical danger is involved.

o Persuade safe working practices.

Scaffolding accidents are common building work place accidents which can cause injuries to building workers. To avoid scaffolding accidents the following precautions must be considered.

o Scaffolding should be constructed properly.

o Should ensure that the base plates are in place.

o Slippery planks must be replaced.

o Should provide sufficient guard railings.

o Check for missing planks and replace wherever needed.

o Ensure that the foundation is strong enough.

Apart from the above common accidents there can be some common specific work place accidents which can cause injuries in the respective manner. Some such areas of working are working with dangerous chemicals, work place with heavy machinery and work place where fire is involved. These accidents can be prevented provided the respective health and safety measures assigned to their specific work place are followed carefully.

Generally most of the common accidents at work can be prevented if you as an employee consider health and safety as your own accountability. The employers by making their work place safe for working by adapting the prescribed safety measures can prevent accidents in their work place. Employers must also provide supervision for health and safety where it is needed.

Looking for preventive methods of accidents at work? Follow these easy safety practices and safeguard yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsay_Nolan

Have you had an accident at work check how much you can claim now? What should you do if you are injured while at work?

When you have had an accident at work, you should understand that it is the responsibility of the employer for what ever happens when you are in his premises and you should know how much you can claim! There are laws mainly for these. The employer is deemed to take responsibility for all that which happens to his employees during the working hours. The employers are obliged to ensure that the work place is safe for his employees and also ensure the risks of accident must be prevented or at least minimized. The regulations are wide ranging and are likely that any injury which happens during work can be claimed for compensation even if the accident and the injuries are caused by a co- worker or even a visitor to the premise.

Once when the accident takes place, it must be reported immediately to the supervisor or to the staff who is responsible for ensuring the health and safety measures of the organization. The accident must be recorded in a file. According to the law, all accidents must be kept a record and filed and it should be filed accordingly when it occurs. Further more, the accident must be reported to the health and safety council of the area. The victim should be given a first aid immediately by the persons employed by the organization. Every organization should have someone to provide the first aid treatment and then if necessary the victim should be taken to the hospital for further treatment.

The next step to be taken in the case of an accident at work is to submit the accident at work claim form to the claims department of your company at the earliest. Within the speculated period of time, the company's solicitors will have to contact you to discuss and fully asses your workplace accident compensation. The company cannot deny giving you the compensation since it is the company's liability to confer the amount to the injured. Denial of it can be addressed to the law for further justice. Even if you have had an accident while at work within the last three years and if there is a concrete proof for that, the matter can be brought to the law and then it is possible to make a claim for compensation.

The amount you can claim as compensation for workplace accidents depends on the severity and the damages caused due to the accident. Any damages caused because of workplace accident and other factors such as loss of income, property damage and emotional distress can be successfully retrieved. For instance, according to sources, Mr. Rogers, an HGV driver who had injured his back and arm during work and was not able to work for two years after the accident, had successfully sued his employers and was given a compensation of 39,000 pounds. Therefore, when you have had an accident at work, check how much you can claim!

If you have had an accident at work check here how much you can claim as compensation now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsay_Nolan

A guide to making a compensation claim for personal injury following an accident at work -- using the law in England and Wales as an example you will discover everything you need to know to make a claim including: what types of compensation you can claim, how to show your employer is responsible for your claim and how to get your questions answered by an expert online.

What is a claim for compensation following an accident at work?

If you suffer personal injury as a result of an accident at work -- you may find that you are entitled to claim compensation from your employer.

The compensation you can claim is made up of four key elements:

1. Pain and suffering

The physical or psychological injuries you suffer cause pain and suffering -- for which you are entitled to compensation.

2. Financial loss

As a result of your injury you are likely to have an actual monetary loss and expenses -- such as lost income, medical expenses, travel expenses to the hospital or your GP, etc. You are entitled to claim compensation for these losses.

3. Interest

You are entitled to claim interest on the above two types of loss. The interest rate varies on the type of loss you have suffered.

4. Legal expenses

Your legal expenses are not really classed as compensation, but in many countries you can also claim your legal costs in claiming compensation. In England and Wales, for example, you can claim your legal costs so long as your personal injury is worth over £1000.

How do you know if your employer is responsible for your accident at work claim?

You should leave proving responsibility for your accident at work claim to a specialist solicitor.

You might be surprised to learn that your solicitor can access records your employer must keep by law concerning your accident including:

1. Accident book entries

Describing not only your accident, but other similar accidents at work to other employees.

2. Reports

Investigations made by your employer and meetings concerning how your accident happened.

3. Health and Safety Executive reports

If you are absent from work for over three days as a result of an accident at work or have a serious injury - your employer must report your accident circumstances to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE will often investigate your accident circumstances and documents will be produced as to their findings.

There are many more documents your lawyer has the right to see and these can all be used to show your employer was responsible for accident.

Will your employer be insured for your accident at work?

"Yes" -- your employer is required by law to have in place suitable employee insurance which will pay your compensation in the event of an accident.

How long do you have to make a compensation claim for your accident at work?

You have three years from the date of your accident to make a claim for compensation.

There are some exceptions to this rule. If it is more than three years from your accident it might not be too late to make a claim - but you must act quickly and seek expert legal advice.

Who should you contact if you are considering making a claim?

You should contact a specialist personal injury lawyer if you think you might have a claim for compensation.

I can help you in your search for a specialist and answer any legal questions you may have online.

Visit the following link to find out how to make a successful accident at work claim Accident At Work Compensation Claim Visit the following link to find expert help for finding a specialist lawyer Personal Injury Lawyer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Bolton

Have you had accidents at work that wasn't your fault and your scared to claim the rightful compensation you deserve? You might be scared you may lose your job if you claim compensation from your employers but this cannot happen if it does you have a claim of wrongful dismissal, as well as your bosses being unhappy with you for this the list is endless. Many employees don't claim their rightful compensation if they have an accident at work due to there scared. Well you shouldn't be, a great solicitor will explain all the facts involved in a claim and answer any questions you may have.

Accidents at work able to be very difficult but to make a successful personal injury claim you need to show that your injuries have been due to the negligence of your employer. If one of your colleagues has hurt you, your employer is responsible for this. If any accidents do occur you need to tell your employer so they could make a note of it in the accident book.

If you work for an employer, wherever you work your employer has a legal obligation to maintain Health & Safety standards to minimise the risk of workplace accidents. If you work with equipment or machinery, your employer has a duty to train you and to make sure that the equipment's safe and properly maintained. If you are injured at work speak to us to make a claim, in normal circumstances you employer will be insured so any compensation will come from an insurance company.

If you have had an accident in your workplace as well as it wasn't your fault you have a legal and civil right to claim personal injury compensation from your employees and don't worry about being sacked from your workplace if you claim compensation because they can't sack you because of that its wrongful dismissal.