Having a job can be a dangerous business. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that last year over 1. 2 million people were affected by a work related injury or illness in the UK alone.

Despite health and safety measures being tougher than ever, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROPSA) reported that nearly 200 people are killed, and tens of thousands seriously disabled through workplace negligence.

The UK’s Most Dangerous Workplaces:

All workplaces contain hazards, but some are more risky than others. In the UK last year, most fatal accidents occurred in 4 sectors:

• 63 in the services industry
• 53 in the construction industry
• 32 in the manufacturing industry and
• 26 in the agricultural industry

It’s not just employees at risk, either. Last year, 94 members of the public were killed in accidents connected to the workplace, including railway-related accidents.

Who is at Risk from Workplace Injury?

There are literally millions of ways that someone can be injured at work. Accidents can take place in quiet offices or crowded building sites. A computer cable can do as much damage as a forklift truck.

Common Workplace Accidents:

• Slipping and Tripping
• Forklift Truck Accidents
• Road Traffic Accident involving Work Vehicles
• Power Tools Accidents at work
• Accidents with machinery at work
• Accidents on scaffolding
• Accident on farms
• Accident in warehouses

Common Workplace Illnesses:

• Asbestos-related illnesses
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Deafness
• Depression
• Infections
• Lead exposure
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Repetitive Strain Injury
• Skin disorders
• Stress
• Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)

It’s not all bad news for British workers. Over the last decade, tough legislation has been introduced that holds employers accountable for workplace safety.

UK Employers must protect their employees by providing:

• Safe, well maintained equipment
• Relevant safety training
• Protective clothing (where appropriate)
• Regular Risk assessments and safety checks
• Protection from hazardous materials – chemicals, dust, asbestos etc.
• Correct light and ventilation
• Fire escapes
• Clear signs labelling any hazard

British employers have an obligation to protect every employee. It doesn’t matter if you are full time, or work one hour a week. The law is the same for everyone, and works to protect your rights.

Reporting Accidents in the workplace

If you are worried about conditions at your workplace, then talk to your trade union representative or call the Health and Safety Executive. You can contact them anonymously on 0845 345 0055.

If you believe that there is a serious and immediate danger in your work place you have the right to protect yourself. If it comes to it, leave work until the problem is fixed, it is your legal right to do so.

If you have an accident at work:

• Report it to your employers immediately.
• Make sure the incident is recorded in the Accident Book.
• If there isn’t an Accident Book, record the details in a letter, then post a copy to your boss, get proof of postage, and keep a copy for yourself.
• If you are too unwell to report the accident, get someone else to do it for you.
• Visit the doctor, even if your injury doesn’t seem serious. Many injuries can worsen with time. The doctor can record the medical details of your accident. This will be useful later on if you want to claim compensation or if you need to claim benefits for your injury.