According to the Labour Force Survey 2021/22, there were around 59,000 cases of non-fatal work-related injuries within the construction industry between 2021 and 2022.
Common accidents may involve:
- Falling from a height
- Falling objects
- Lifting heavy objects
Of course, some accidents are to be expected when working in such dangerous environments and with the use of heavy tools and machinery. This could be due to your own error or possibly due to the actions of a colleague or employer.
Employers owe a duty of care to its employees. In order to follow this duty, they are required to put in reasonable measures to keep employees reasonably safe. This may be relevant training, inductions or risk assessments.
It may be that you are self-employed or subcontracted to a site. This is common in the industry; many sites will have various contractors with one main contractor overseeing the works. As long as you are under direct control and/or supervision, your status will likely be deemed to be akin with being an employee.
If an employer falls below the standard of care and an accident occurs, they may be in breach of duty and an employee may be entitled to compensation for any injuries or loss they have sustained. Likewise, if a colleague causes you to suffer injury, your employer can be held vicariously liable for their actions.
Depending on the severity of the injuries sustained, you may require time off work or your position on the labour market may be affected in the future. Particularly, if the long term effects of the injury means you are no longer able to perform the same role or to the same capacity as prior to the accident.
If you have suffered injury on a construction site, it is important to seek specialist legal advice to understand your position and rights to compensation.
Contact Lauren Goode for more by calling 0121 2367388 or emailing lauren.goode@mfgsolicitors.com
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