As we continue to endure another cold and wet British winter, the threat of the weather causing injuries to employees continues to be clear.    

Every year, Thompsons supports hundreds of workers who have sustained weather related injuries from slipping and tripping in difficult conditions. In many cases, injuries could have been prevented if managers had put effective health and safety systems in place.

 

A legal requirement

While some employers unfortunately treat health and safety as something they would rather overlook, it is a legal responsibility so cannot be ignored. The law states that employers must, so far as is reasonably practical, ensure that their workplace is safe. If they fail in this duty and an employee is injured, the employer may be found to be at fault and to have been negligent.

As Jacqueline Derbyshire, from Thompsons Solicitors’ Nottingham office explains, simple measures can often prevent serious injuries. For example, failing to put up signs urging workers to take caution in areas of snow, ice or significant rainfall, means employers are at risk of having to pay out on compensation claims for injuries sustained. Similarly, putting down salt and grit in wintry conditions is a cheap and easy way to limit the likelihood of an employee slipping.

“And, while winters may bring higher levels of risk, bosses shouldn’t leave it the last minute to consider their health and safety obligations: appropriate risk assessments should happen throughout the year to spot potential risks and take swift action to reduce the threat they pose.”

 

No excuses

According to the solicitor, it should be an easy decision for employers to take the right choices on health and safety: “When one takes into account the costs of compensation and of an employee’s time off work in recovery, bosses should not need to think twice. Not only is it a legal requirement, it makes clear financial sense too. There can be no excuses.”

 

Injured at work? Contact us for expert advice on workplace accident compensation claims.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury in an accident at work, our specialist workplace accident solicitors are on hand to help you make a claim.

Our experts will explain the process in plain English, and discuss whether you are eligible to make a claim for compensation.

We have significant unrivalled experience of winning workplace accident and injury claims and will provide a no obligation assessment of your circumstances.

Time limits of three years from the date of accident or injury apply, so contact us for advice today. For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.