If you have a member of staff who is injured while working at your premises or working elsewhere on your behalf, they may be able to claim compensation for their injuries and losses, including any loss of earnings.

According to the Health and safety at work act 1974 employers owe a duty of care in safe guarding their employees well being at work. Employers are legally obliged to provide safe equipment, machinery and plant along with adequately trained co-workers. If an employee suffers an accident at work as a result of broken or defective equipment or an electric shock or lack of training then they may be able to claim.

As an employer you must take all measures where reasonably practical to ensure that your employees carry out work in the safest possible way, bearing in mind the type of job that they do, the materials and equipment that they work with and the tasks involved. 

As an employer you need to ensure that the place or places where your employees work and your premises are safe for your staff. As an Employer you are also responsible for the heating and ventilation of your premises. 

In order for an injured employee to make a successful claim, they will have to prove that the accident was the fault of their employer. This may include the fault of another employee, that is, a fellow worker ,for whom you the employer are responsible for. It is the duty of the injured employee to report the accident to you. The employee should also make sure the accident details are entered correctly in the Accident Book. Got a question email margaret@healthandsafetywise.co.uk

Note: Under the Limitation Act 1980, a person has 3 years from the date of the accident within which to pursue a claim for compensation. If a claim is not pursued within this time limit, the claim will become statute barred.