Nobody goes to work expecting to be injured in the course of their job. It does happen, unfortunately. Some occupations are more prone to accidents than others, but wherever you work, if you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to make a claim for damages.*
What Do I Do If I Am Involved In An Accident At Work
Wherever you work, if you are involved in an accident and suffer an injury, you should:
- Get medical treatment for your injury
- Report the accident to a manager
- If there were witnesses, identify them.
- Record the details of the incident.
- Contact an experienced solicitor.
Common Causes Of Injury At Work
Accidents at work can have multiple causes. We list the more common causes of accidents at work and how to make a claim for damages.
Common causes of Injury at Work
Employers Duty Of Care
You may be able to bring an accident* at work claim if you have been injured as a result of health and safety procedures not being followed. Your employer has a legal duty to ensure you are safe at work. This means they have a responsibility to:-
- Make sure you are properly trained;
- Provide you with a safety statement;
- Provide you with suitable work and personal protective equipment;
- Undertake risk assessments;
- Manage business activities to minimise risks to your health and safety; and
- Provide safe systems of work.
What Is Involved In Making An Accident At Work Claim?
Employment law in Ireland law places strict obligations on employers to protect the safety and wellbeing of employees, particularly by providing a safe place of work, a safe system of work or proper training to their employees. Where injuries are sustained in the workplace it is possible for the injured party to take a legal action against the employer.
The first issue to be established is whether an injury has actually occurred. The claimant must have sustained some form of injury – either physical or psychological – in the course of his or her employment to bring a workplace injury claim. Examples of the type of injuries that occur in the workplace include injuries caused by heavy lifting, repetitive stress injuries and in recent years the courts have granted awards in cases involving stress and anxiety to employees that arose from workplace bullying and harassment.
Common types of accidents* at work
Whilst every accident and injury is unique, this list of common types of accident at work includes accidents and injuries of the greatest frequency in Ireland.
