Workplace accidents can have life-changing consequences both physically and financially. One of the most common causes of such accidents is a lack of adequate training. At Harris Fowler Solicitors, we regularly assist clients who have been injured at work because they were not properly trained for the job they were asked to do.
If this has happened to you, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. Here’s what you need to know.
Employers’ Legal Duty to Train Employees
Under the law in England and Wales, employers are legally required to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees while at work. This duty is set out in several key pieces of legislation, including:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
These laws make it clear that employers must provide adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure employees can carry out their work safely.
This includes:
- Training on how to use machinery or equipment properly
- Manual handling training to avoid back or lifting injuries
- Safety procedures for hazardous substances
- Training for working at height or in confined spaces
- Induction training for new employees or contractors
Failure to provide appropriate training may result in preventable accidents and could make your employer legally responsible for any injuries sustained.
Examples of Accidents Caused by Inadequate Training
Many types of workplace accidents can result from inadequate training including:
- Falls from height due to lack of instruction on ladder safety or scaffolding use;
- Crush injuries from incorrect operation of machinery;
- Electric shocks or burns due to untrained staff handling electrical equipment;
- Manual handling injuries, such as hernias or back strain, from improper lifting techniques;
- Chemical exposure due to not being trained in handling or disposing of hazardous substances;
- Being assaulted at work due to a lack of proper workplace violence or restraint training.
If you were injured in any of these scenarios and were not given proper training beforehand, you may have a strong basis for a compensation claim.
At Harris Fowler, our specialist solicitors will gather evidence such as training records, witness statements, accident reports, and medical assessments to build a strong case on your behalf.
How We Can Help
If you’ve been injured at work due to poor or inadequate training, don’t suffer in silence. You have the right to be safe at work, and employers who fail in their responsibilities should be held accountable.
Contact Harris Fowler Solicitors today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your situation, advise you on your legal rights, and support you every step of the way toward securing the compensation you deserve.
