Warehouses can be very dangerous places to work in if health and safety is not one of your employer’s top concerns – and it should be. All employers are bound by law to provide their employees with as safe an environment as possible to work in, and to provide them with appropriate health and safety training to complete their job safely.
Common Warehouse Accidents
- Vehicular collisions: collisions between vehicles used indoors for lifting and moving crates, boxes and pallets. There should not be a lack of regard for vehicles used indoors because they are not on the open road. In fact, it is imperative that the warehouse has its own systems such as one way systems to ensure that individuals are not injured in collisions.
- Incidents involving a vehicle and a person: again, ‘rules of the road’ should be adhered to and a heightened awareness of pedestrians must be in place, just as pedestrians must have a heightened awareness of the vehicles around them. People and vehicles are working in extremely close proximity in the warehouse environment.
- Slip or Trip: Spillages must be marked carefully with caution signs and cleared up as quickly and effectively as possible. The workplace must be kept neat and tidy, with rubbish, packaging and ties being tidied out of the way. Finally cables and wires must not be left trailing. If this is not being done in your workplace the danger of a slip or trip injury is heightened and if you have an accident you may be able to claim for compensation as your workplace is unsafe.
- Lifting Injuries: Many firms will teach their employees how to lift safely, however not all firms do this. This leaves employees with injuries – commonly injuries to the back, neck and spine. You may be able to claim compensation for your lifting injury if you have not received health and safety training regarding lifting techniques. You may also be able to claim for compensation if you have received these types of injuries due to your employment, even if you have received training. These types of work related injury/disablement claims are not possible if you are self employed.
If any of the above scenarios remind you of your experiences, or you have had an accident in a warehouse which differs from the ones above but you feel you employer may be at fault, contact a solicitor today. A work accident solicitor will be able to give you the expert advice you need and help you decide which the best course of action is.
Contact Us
For expert legal advice regarding your accident at work claim, contact Freeman Harris. Call us on 020 7231 7150 or fill in an online enquiry for a completely free, no obligation, initial consultation.
