The increasing trend of work accident claims in the UK construction industry
The construction industry in the UK is one of the largest industries in the country with over 2.2 million workers.
However, with over 2800 fatal accidents during the previous year, this has also become one of the most dangerous industries.
Since a major number of construction accidents happen due to faulty tools and equipment, all construction companies are required to maintain the equipment of a safe standard.
Wear and tear of the construction equipment and the stress levels of the workers are other major reasons of a construction site accident.
A failure, on the company’s part, to implement these standards would lead to a work accident claim.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the regulator of health and safety issues in the UK.
Although the HSE has implemented numerous rules and regulations regarding safety at the construction sites, there still have been frequent accidents and injuries over the years.
Warning by the HSE
In wake of a recent adjudication against a Glasgow based construction company, the HSE has issued a stern warning to construction companies to maintain adequate precautions at the construction sites.
The incident occurred in June 2007, when a 20 year old worker fell from the upper levels of a building and broke his neck.
The victim was working at the new Arden Primary School in Thornliebank, Glasgow when he slipped on a piece of plywood and fell one storey to the ground.
The plywood, which was covering an opening in the floor, gave way and the victim fell 4 meters to the ground.
Although the victim survived, he had to stay in ICU for one week and required a metal plate inserted into his neck.
A case of negligence on the part of the construction company was filed in court and the verdict was announced a recently.
The construction company was fined £20,000 after pleading guilty to a breach of Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The HSE has issued a stern warning to employers.
An inspector at the HSE commented: “This accident was entirely foreseeable and preventable.”
“The worker was severely injured because his employer failed to do enough about the risks associated with working at height.”
Further, she said that “it was down to chance alone that this incident did not result in a permanent injury or even fatality.”
The importance of work accident claims in the construction industry
It is not very uncommon for accidents to occur at a construction sites, which could have been avoided if the management had taken adequate safety measures. However, a construction accident can lead to permanent injuries for a worker and could lead to loss of livelihood and earnings.
Therefore, for a worker whose life has been severely affected through no fault of his own, a work accident claim is the perfect choice. Most of the solicitors around Britain work on a no win no claim basis to ensure that an affected person is not denied his compensation due to lack of funds.
Updated on 9/24/2009