Work Accident Advice: Factory Accident Claims

With the likelihood of manually operated machinery and a range of materials and possibly dangerous chemical substances being present, working in a factory can present a range of different potential dangers. This is why factory employers must take special care over health and safety procedures to ensure the safety of their employees.

Where an accident does occur as a result of a failure of health and safety precautions by the employer, there may be a case for making a factory accident claim. This way, the injured employee can gain compensation for their injuries and any lost earnings.

There are a number of different reasons for factory accidents. In many cases, a breach of health and safety regulations can be found to be the root cause of the accident. Some common causes include:

Machinery

Where a machine is faulty, this can lead to accidents occurring. If the machinery was not properly tested then there may be a case for a factory accident claim. Machinery can also be dangerous to those with loose hair or clothing, as this can become tangled into the machine and cause an injury. Lack of training or a failure in safety procedures may be the reason for this and if this is the case then a claim may still be possible.

Slips and trips

Where a factory uses substances such as oil or grease, spillages can lead to dangerously slippery surfaces which can cause slips and trips to occur. Physical obstacles on the floor such as tools, wires and cables and any other discarded object may also be hazardous and lead to a slip or trip.

Chemicals and hazardous substances

A chemical spill can cause injuries if an employee makes physical contact with the chemical. Where employees are required to work with hazardous substances on a daily basis, a failure to use the necessary protective clothing can also lead to injury.

As with any other factory accident, though, employees must be provided with the correct protective clothing and trained to wear it whenever necessary for their job. Failure of these kinds of safety precautions is considered a fault on the part of the employer and can lead to successful factory accident claims.

Responsibilities for employers

Employers are expected to take reasonable practical steps to prevent factory accidents wherever possible, providing a safe working environment for their employees at all times. This can include regular testing of machinery and equipment, proper training for all employees and providing the necessary protective clothing in the form of gloves or goggles.

Employers must also do regular risk assessments which will involve looking for possible hazards and addressing them before they cause accidents or injuries. A risk assessment can involve walking around the factory floor and taking notes on any risks they discover on the way, and taking immediate action on any serious risks to safety. There should also be ongoing communication with safety representatives to address any issues brought up by employees.

Failing to carry out the necessary health and safety procedures may result in a successful factory accident claim by an injured employee.