Preventing Accidents In The Workplace

Preventing accidents in the workplace is part of an employer's duty to protect the health and safety of their staff

. An employer must, therefore, take reasonable steps to ensure the working environment is a safe and secure place. This should include complying with the following measures:-

1. Enforcing a Safe System of Work.

An employer must ensure a safe system of work is implemented throughout the workplace. In order to do so, he/she should:-

* Speak to members of staff and identify risks and problems they feel need to be addressed;

* Provide employees with the training they need to perform their jobs safely;

* Organise employees to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities;

* Carry out regular checks to make certain a safe system of work is being followed;

* Carry out regular reviews to ensure safety measures are still effective. Discuss with employees and amend working practice if necessary.

2. Performing Risk Assessments.

All employers must carry out regular risk assessments, thereby allowing all risks and hazards to be readily detected. The findings should then be carefully considered and appropriate risk-reducing measures be enforced.

Risk assessments must be performed by a 'competent person with health and safety responsibilities'. This may an owner of a small business, or a member of staff trained in health and safety. Businesses who employ five or more people must officially record the findings of the assessment and draw up and formal health and safety policy.

3. Following Legal Regulations.

Employers must all ensure they adhere to the laws laid out in the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), a copy of which should be displayed somewhere in the workplace. It is also important employers are familiar with the necessary regulations, including the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) and the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations (1992).

Failing to Take 'Reasonable Steps'.

An employer must take steps that are reasonably practicable to protect the health, safety and well-being of their staff. This is known as an employer's duty of care and is a legal responsibility. Should they fail to meet this obligation (ie. by neglecting to follow the aforementioned steps to prevent accidents in the workplace) they will have breached their duty of care.

Work Accident Claims.

If an employer breaches his duty of care and an employee consequently sustains an injury, it could be possible for the injured party to make a work accident claim. This would allow the member of staff to recover any finances lost because of the accident. It would also help to recompense for the pain and suffering that has been caused. To find out more about making a work accident claim, you need to speak to a work accident solicitor as soon as possible.

Copyright (c) 2011 Julie Glynn

by: Julie Glynn

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