Causes of Accidents At Work

What Can Cause Accidents At Work?

There are a multitude of variables that can contribute to, or influence an accident in the workplace. Here are some of the most common causes of workplace accident and injury:

• Overexertion and tiredness – it is essential that employees take adequate breaks. Not doing so can lead to exhaustion and a slew of mistakes. Extreme tiredness/fatigue can result in a lack of alertness, slower reaction times and reduces a person’s ability to work safely and effectively. An employee who is sleep deprived can be just as hazardous as an employee under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Poor lighting – poor lighting can be a major cause of many slips, trips and falls within the workplace. Not only is an employee tripping over a hazard and falling a huge concern but also an employee in poor lighting may make a mistake with a dangerous piece of machinery with disastrous consequences
• Lifting – many employees are prone to a muscle strain or serious back injury by virtue of lifting an object that is far too heavy for them. It is extremely important for all employees to practice safe lifting procedures adopting all of the manual handling techniques shown to them during their training
• Ignoring safety procedures / complacency – purposefully failing to adhere to safety procedures puts yourself and your colleagues in danger. Complacency and overconfidence is an attitude that can lead to accidents and injury. Becoming accustomed to working in a certain way over a long period of time means growing oblivious to the hazards. Employers must reiterate the importance of their safety procedures to curb any onset of complacency
• Contact with objects and equipment – a falling object striking an employee, being caught or crushed by equipment, being struck by collapsing material, parts of the body coming into contact sharp edges, hot or live electrical components, employees being struck by moving work vehicles

Ascertaining the cause of the accident and fully understanding how the accident occurred is important to all claims for compensation. Our expert solicitors can help you move forward should you decide to pursue a claim for your injuries.

Call us now on 0800 028 2060 or click here to start your claim.