Resent Article

Should taking a Risk lead to an accident at work?

 

It is a fact of life that we all take risks in our day to day lives. We take a risk when we decide to cross the road because we think there is sufficient time as the bus is heading towards us. We take a risk in the sports we choose to play. Part of the thrill for the sky-diver is the risk that is taken. We take a risk when at work we nibble on the last chocolate in the kitchen area hoping that we are not seen!

We often act for clients who work in dangerous and hazardous surroundings as a result of their job. They go to work, however, expecting that the risks that they take are considered by their employer and kept to a minimum level and in line with the legal requirements imposed upon employers.

It is so depressing for us to learn time and time again that many employers do not take this aspect of their business seriously. When risks are taken and injuries happen we often find that they could easily have been anticipated by an employer. Indeed the law in such situations often requires that such a risk has been anticipated by an employer.

As Hammersmith solicitors we have acted for many, many unfortunate people in such a situation. For example we have acted for carpenters who have not been provided with safe tools. We have acted for teachers who are not given the support and training required dealing with dangerous and violent pupils. We have gathered a wealth of experience acting for injured Prison Officers who at times risk their lives looking after the most dangerous of individuals.

Whilst we cannot sanitise life and rule out risks completely, the law is very clear and robust on the level of risk an employer should expect an employee to take during the course of their employment. Often a shy employee will be injured at work and think it was their own fault and an employer may wish them to believe this. They worry that if they make a complaint they will loose their job. The legal system offers an employee protection in such circumstances.

If you have been injured at work or feel that you are been asked to take dangerous activities in an unsafe environment please feel free to call us to see if there is anything we can do to help.

Charlotte Pegman