Although we can honestly admit that there are certain jobs that entail working from a particular height, this is not to say that if an accident occurs and you fall, your employer is not at fault. In fact, if you can prove without a doubt that your fall at work was caused by negligence or a lack of awareness on the part of your employer, then you can indeed be rewarded some form of compensation.
The Causes of Falls at Work
There are various reasons why there are accidents such as falls at work, but some causes are more common than others. One primary cause is the lack of barriers for safety. If, for instance, you are using a ladder to go up to a platform and the ladder is not higher than the platform (or only level with the platform), then there need to be grips and rails where you can hold on. Another common reason for falls is the negligence of employers to provide workers with the proper equipment. Yet one more reason why falls can occur is scaffolding which is not properly maintained, if at all. The improper use of various ladders is also a common cause, as is ladders which are unfit or unstable.
What you should do when you suffer from a Fall at Work
If you are intent on filing a claim for compensation due to a fall at work, there are certain things you can do to move your claim forward. This includes making sure that the accident is immediately reported to a relevant staff member, such as the designated health and safety person or the Human Resources department.
Even if your injury seems minor, it should still be reported and logged in to the accident book of the company – and every company needs to have an accident book. If you can, visit a doctor as soon as possible so they can assess your injury and make a report.
Especially if your injuries are severe, you should keep a diary – this diary should include details such as your level of pain, discomfort, insomnia, and various tasks you are having difficulty performing due to the injury or since the fall. It also follows that you should take note of your expenses as well as losses – including your loss of income (if you have not been able to report to work), your expenses travelling to and from the doctor or hospital, and the like.
Your Claim for Compensation
If you suffer from a fall at work through no fault of your own, you can try claiming compensation, as experts like http://shireslaw.com will corroborate. Your compensation will depend on the extent of your injuries, but http://shireslaw.com further stresses that even minor injuries like a fractured finger or ankle can give you compensation of up to £8000.
