Construction Site Injuries and Accident Claim Law

Construction sites are perhaps the most dangerous place to work. The high risk of injury coupled with the fact that construction workers rely on their physical fitness to earn money means that accident claims are common.

Some of the risks that are present on construction sites include the use of dangerous equipment, hazardous materials, physically demanding work, working at height, exposure to asbestos and use of heavy machinery. With all of these dangers present in the day to day working environment, employers and site managers have the legal duty to provide correct, appropriate and current safety equipment and information. The employer must also provide the prescribed rest breaks so that concentration is not impeded.

In the UK, the Health and Safety Commission is responsible for safety regulations. With the Construction (Design and Management) regulations 2007, this commission works to ensure that workplaces are safe and that risk of accidents is as low as possible.

Injured workers who can prove that their employer didn’t follow health and safety rules or didn’t do all that was possible to safeguard employees are entitled to an accident claim. As much evidence as possible is needed following an accident, including the names and addresses of any witnesses. Witnesses are especially important because the cause of the injury might change or be removed as construction continues.

In the event of being injured whilst working on a construction site, it is very important to talk to a solicitor who is experienced in accident claims. This is due to the fact that an injury might leave the employee unable to work for weeks, months or indefinitely. As a result, some people fall into arrears on the mortgage or household bills. Therefore the compensation is even more important. Finally, the law surrounding accident claims is complex so an experienced solicitor is well placed to advice. An employee cannot legally be sacked for making an accident claim against their employer.

 

Published by: Admin on April 1st, 2010 | Filed under Attorneys Personal Injury