Horse Riding Accidents At Work
If you volunteer or are employed to work with horses
, you should expect to enjoy a safe working environment. This is an employer's duty which, if fulfilled properly, should reduce the risk of an equestrian-related accident occurring. If, however, there is a failure to do so and a member of staff suffers an injury, there may be grounds for a work accident claim.
Minimising the risk of horse accidents
Whether you work in a livery stable, riding school, trekking centre or race course, you will be exposed to a certain amount of risk during the course of your job. Indeed, horses are very large and strong animals that cannot always be controlled. It is their size, coupled with their sometimes unpredictable nature, which makes equestrian based activities particularly dangerous.
Due to the hazards associated with equestrian sport, employers should be especially vigilant in protecting their staff from suffering a horse-related accident. This is a legal responsibility known as a duty of care which stipulates that any employer (whether or not in the world of equestrianism) must protect the health, safety and well-being of their employees while at work. In order to meet this obligation, employers must ensure they follow the appropriate steps to reduce the risks and hazards posed to their staff as much as is reasonably practicable. This should include implementing a safe system of work, carrying out regular risk assessments and enforcing all health and safety regulations. If such action is taken, an employer should minimise the chance of a horse accident happening.
What to do after a horse riding accident at work
Nevertheless, there are unfortunately times when horse accidents do occur. These can lead to a very serious injury, and in some cases will cause permanent health complications or even result in a fatality. Occasionally, there can be no blame attached to one party or the other. As previously mentioned, horses can be unpredictable and injuries are to be expected. However, there are also times when someone else is directly responsible for the accident. More often than not this will either be an employer, or another member of the public who failed to display a duty of care towards you. A common example of this is a motorist who neglected to leave sufficient room when overtaking you. If this has happened to you, you must take the following action:-
Record the accident in the work accident handbook;
Collate as much evidence as possible. For example, take photographs of the scene of the accident, ask for the name and contact number of the person you believe to be at fault, and obtain the details of any witnesses.
Contact the police (if your accident took place in a public place and resulted in a serious injury);
Contact a solicitor to talk about making a work accident claim.
Contact a solicitor today
If you have been involved in a horse accident and you believe someone else is at fault, you must contact a solicitor to talk about making a work accident claim. If successful, you will be awarded compensation for the damages you have incurred. This not only covers the financial losses you have sustained, but also the pain and suffering you have experienced.
by: Julie Glynn
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