Adverts for personal injury firms are just about everywhere. We all know that if we become injured in the workplace, there is a chance that we can claim compensation, but many of us don’t realise exactly what we can make a claim for.

What is my employer’s responsibility?

All employers are responsible for protecting their employees and ensuring that they do not come to harm whilst at the workplace. No matter where your work, it is your employer’s duty to provide you with a safe place to work. When this duty is neglected and you become injured as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Your employer is responsible for ensuring that the tools that you need for your job are adequate and that they do not pose a hazard to you. This often involves providing you with the necessary training to ensure that you avoid suffering from an accident. For example, all employees who have to lift heavy objects as part of their job should be provided with adequate training.

All workplaces should be kept safe and tidy. The place where you work and sit should be comfortable and your chair and desk position should not cause any health issues such as problems with posture or eyesight. No walkways should be obstructed, to ensure that you do not trip up and injure yourself.

If you need safety wear for your job, this should also be provided. Whether you need goggles, a hard hat, ear protection, safety gloves or high visibility clothing, your employer should be the one to provide this.

What kind of physical injuries do people sustain in the workplace?

Work based injuries include both physical and psychological injuries. Most people associate personal injury claims with physical injuries. Many people suffer from lacerations and burns when machinery is not properly protected. People sometimes suffer from these injuries when their employer has neglected to provide them with adequate training or equipment.

In some cases, employees can sustain serious physical injuries such as spinal and brain injuries when falling from height. Falling from height has been named as the most common work based injury in the UK. Another common physical injury is asbestos related illness. Although asbestos should not be present in any workplace at present, in past decades it was. Those who were exposed to excessive amounts of asbestos sometimes find themselves suffering from chronic diseases such as lung cancer.

Does psychological injury count?

Many people don’t realise that psychological injuries are also taken seriously. If you have been bullied or discriminated against in the workplace and it has led to a serious mental health condition such as depression, stress or anxiety, you may be entitled to compensation. If your employer was fully aware of what was going on and took no stops to prevent this from happening, this is considered to be equally as negligent as failing to provide you with protective clothing or adequate safety training. In all instances, the safest option is to ensure you are fully aware of how everything works, so talk it over with your employer. 

Julia Markson is a renowned author on all things personal injury - she regularly visits Kingsley Accident Claim to stay abreast of all the most recent industry developments.