Accidents at work account for over half a million non-fatal injuries per year. In fact, the actual figure is even greater – according to the Health and Safety Executive England, there were 609,000 injuries at work in the 2016/17 period. There were 31.2 million working days lost in the UK due to work-related illness and workplace injury.

As solicitors for both workplace accidents and illness caused by work, we thought it was worth looking closely at the figures to see what the most likely cause of injury and ill health at work are. To put it simply, we want to work out if the things you do at your workplace is putting you at higher risk.

Accidents at work

Non-fatal

Of the injuries that occur at work, the majority are non-fatal. There were 609,000 self-reported non-fatal injuries in 2016/17, and 70,116 injuries reported by employers. Males are more likely to fall victim to an injury at work, accounting for 62% of these incidents.

If you work in an environment with cluttered floor space or you are required to climb, be extra vigilant. Slips, trips and falls account for the largest portion of accidents at work and cause the most injuries at 29%.

Ensure you have proper training in lifting any boxes, as lifting and handling objects accounts for 22% of injuries. Being struck by an object is the next most common form, at just 10% – which is a situation you have little control over and as such should contact us immediately for advice if this occurs.

The other main contributors are falls from height, acts of violence, contact with machinery and striking against something fixed or stationary. Regardless of scenario, if you are injured at work and would like to see if you can claim, get in touch today.

Fatal

Sadly, some workplace injuries can be so severe they are fatal. 137 workers were killed in 2016/17. If you work in construction or agriculture, you are more likely to perish at work as these are the main industries by fatal injury. 30 people died in construction and 27 in agriculture. Of these injuries, being struck by a moving vehicle accounted for 31 deaths. Falls from height were the second most common at 25 deaths, and strikes by moving objects caused 20.

Additionally, 92 members of the public died as a result of workplace accidents. If a loved one perishes at work or is the victim of an accident that involves someone at work, we may be able to help.

Ill health

1.3 million people suffer from work-related ill health. 40% of these cases are related to stress, depression or anxiety. 39% were musculoskeletal and 21% ‘other.’ If your workplace is affecting your mental health, you are entitled to speak to your doctor and see if there is help available. We also provide a work related stress legal service if you would like to speak to a solicitor. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, thoracic outlet syndrome and more. See your doctor and if diagnosed, get in touch with us to see if we can help. Finally, the government estimates that 13,000 deaths each year are linked to past exposure to chemicals and dust at work. If you or a loved one is a victim or this level of exposure, do not suffer in silence. We can help.

So who is most at risk?

Ultimately, the people most at risk of a severe injury at work are those carrying out construction or agricultural jobs involving driving. However, everyday workers who slip, trip or fall have by far the largest accident rate and are more likely to be injured, but their injuries will generally be less severe. Whatever level of severity, though, you are most likely entitled to some form of compensation. Get in touch with Beacham Peacock and see how our Personal Injury team can help you get back on track.

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