FATAL ACCIDENT AT WORK – INJURY CLAIMS

Causes of Fatal Injuries – Work Accidents

Fatal injuries that occur whilst at work are all too common and all employees are at risk of fatal accidents not just those who work in obviously dangerous environments. Studies on workplace accidents indicate that serious and fatal injuries at work can be caused by hazards in all lines of work however the major causes of serious and fatal injuries in the workplace include :-

• electrical shock
• slipping or tripping
• falling from a height
• hazardous substance exposure
• moving machinery accidents
• being hit by a falling object
• collision with a moving vehicle
• lifting and manual handling

Reducing the Risk of Fatal Accidents

In any workplace, systems should be implemented to identify potential hazards, assess risks and ensure the overall safety of the workers. This system should also include continuous monitoring to recognize and address hazards posed by changes that occur in the work environment. Fatal injuries in the workplace can be greatly reduced by taking simple preventative measures. These measures include :-

• assigning workers to tasks for which they have the necessary skills and training
• ensuring that a change in the worker's duties does not present a potential hazard
• properly training each worker in safely carrying out their duties
• providing adequate on-site supervision

Heavy Vehicles and Mobile Equipment

Heavy vehicles and mobile equipment pose a risk of fatal injuries not only to the driver but also to everyone in the workplace. The dangers of fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles and mobile equipment include improperly secured loads, striking a pedestrian, loading and unloading, mounting or dismounting the vehicle, moving materials, maintenance and driving in reverse. There is a great deal that an employer can do to reduce the risk of fatal injuries caused by vehicles and equipment. These steps include :-

• restricting pedestrian access to certain areas
• installing pedestrian barriers
• designating pedestrian walkways
• thorough training of those operating heavy vehicles and mobile equipment
• restricting reversing in certain areas

An Employer's Legal Responsibilities

Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their workers. An employer's main duties include :-

• providing a safe working environment and a safe system of work
• providing workers with adequate safety information, training and instruction
• providing adequate on-site supervision
• providing workers with protective clothing and safety equipment

Free Legal Advice on Fatal Injury Claims

When an employer fails to take reasonable care to ensure the safety of his workers, an injured worker may be able to claim damages. When a worker is fatally injured in an accident, his dependents have a right to bring a compensation claim for their losses. If you have lost a loved one to a work related fatal accident just contact us today by simply filling out the contact form. We will provide you with free legal advice about your potential claim. There is no charge for this consultation and you are under no obligation to take further action.