At Harris Fowler Solicitors, we understand that suffering an injury at work can be both physically and emotionally challenging. One of the key legal protections available to you as an employee in England and Wales is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA). This important piece of legislation underpins workplace safety standards and plays a crucial role in personal injury claims.
What Is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?
The HSWA places legal duties on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees while at work. It also applies to self-employed individuals and contractors.
The Act is enforced by bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities, who can carry out inspections, issue notices, and prosecute where there are breaches of duty.
Key Employer Responsibilities Under the Act
Under the HSWA, employers must:
- Provide and maintain safe systems of work
- Ensure safe use, handling, and storage of substances
- Provide adequate training and supervision
- Maintain a safe workplace, including access and exits
- Provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
These duties extend beyond physical safety and include mental health and wellbeing.
How the Act Protects You if You’re Injured at Work
If you’ve been injured at work due to unsafe practices, faulty equipment, lack of training, or hazardous conditions, the HSWA can support your claim for compensation. A breach of an employer’s duties under the Act may indicate negligence, which is essential in a personal injury claim.
For example, if your employer failed to provide proper safety equipment or did not maintain machinery that caused your injury, this could be used as evidence that they breached their duty of care for the purposes of a personal injury claim.
Can You Claim Compensation?
If you have suffered an injury at work and believe your employer breached their health and safety obligations, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This can cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses and other financial losses
You usually have three years from the date of the accident to start your claim, so it’s vital to seek legal advice promptly.
How Harris Fowler Can Help
At Harris Fowler Solicitors, we specialise in personal injury claims and have extensive experience helping clients across England and Wales secure the compensation they deserve. Our expert team can guide you through every step of the process, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and fighting for your rights.
If you’ve been injured at work and believe your employer failed in their duty of care, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
