The top accidents at work and how to avoid them

Shockingly, 565,000 people were reported to have suffered an accident at work in 2020, with injuries causing the average number of days required off work to sharply increase by 186% over the last decade.

Sadly, these statistics could highlight that the type of injury suffered is more serious, particularly as 123 employees sadly lost their lives in 2020 at work.

Despite the eye watering statistics, this number is likely to be even higher as many individuals do not report injuries for either a fear of repercussions or just wanting to ‘get on with it’ and continuing to work where possible.

However, it is always our advice to report even a minor injury such as a knock or a “near-miss” , along with any defects with equipment. This could protect yourself or others in the future.

No one should go to work and sustain an injury but workplaces can be some of the most dangerous places due to pressurised environments, deadly machinery and lapses in either concentration or health and safety being the most common causes.

Despite this, many employers and even employees can take risks which lead to themselves and others suffering harm as they believe that an injury would only ever happen to someone else.

However, as the figures show, accidents are very common and the results can be devastating. We therefore highlight below the most common accidents and how to avoid them.

1) Lacerations and scars

Cuts to the hand and finger are the two most common injuries found in recent statistics, with scarring being the fourth.

This type of injury can occur in any environment that has sharp or flammable objects or where a person is exposed to chemicals, but particularly in kitchens, production lines, factories and construction sites.

Employers are required to minimise the risk of harm of any injury but this is particularly stringent where chemicals are involved in light of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

Companies must therefore ensure that they thoroughly understand the risk of all substances, provide adequate training and supply the correct protective equipment to those exposed.

Regarding lacerations, employers should risk assess anything which may present a danger and incorporate safety measures, such as providing kevlar/metal gloves, goggles and/or hard hats. Any person using a knife, saw or other sharp object should be fully competent and hold any correct licence or certificate required by the law.

2) Dislocations

This type of injury can occur when working from height, which employers should avoid where possible.

If ladders are needed, they should be placed on a level and secure surface and handrails should be supplied where possible. Employees should also be trained to use the three point of contact rule to ensure their safety.

For larger heights, companies should supply fall restrain mechanisms and each specific task at height should be carefully planned and risk assessed to prevent any potential risk of harm.

Dislocations can also occur when a person trips on defective flooring such as loose steps, flagstones or wires or they may even trip in a pot hole.

Employers should therefore check areas regularly and cordon off any area which may present as a hazard. Employees should remain vigilant and report any imperfections.

3) Back injuries

In 2021 it was found that 180,000 employees had suffered with back pain due to their workplace.

Although the back is put under daily strain so an injury may occur naturally, lifting, pulling or pushing excessively or repetitively at work can of course contribute or cause an injury to the area.

Employers are obligated to prevent the need for manual handling where necessary but unfortunately this is not possible in some roles, particularly those working in warehouses or delivery drivers.

However, where it is required, employers should minimise the risk of harm by supplying thorough and frequent training on the correct lifting techniques and they should also supply a sufficient number of employees and/or equipment to assist any lifting task, such as conveyor belts, forklift trucks or tail lifts.

4) Foot Injuries

Foot injuries commonly occur due to a person being hit by a vehicle at work, with warehouse workers being the most at risk.

Employers must therefore ensure that there is a sufficient separation between pedestrian and vehicle routes and that employees are trained/licensed to operate any truck safely, observing their surroundings and making their presence known to those nearby.

Next steps:

If your employer has not incorporated some of the measures listed above, you may be entitled to compensation and your employer may even be criminally sanctioned due to their failings.

If you do unfortunately suffer an injury at work, we would recommend that you read our related article which can be found here or contact us so we can advise you on your rights and options.

Further reading:

What should I do if I suffer an accident at work? – Oakwood Solicitors

ACAS – Sick pay entitlement

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