It seems the current financial situation could be putting workers at risk due to bosses taking cost cutting measures, some recent injury claims reports and health and safety prosecutions would suggest.
Redundancies amongst supervisors or those responsible for health and safety; failure to adequately maintain and service equipment; lack of investment in safety training; corner cutting on protective equipment and clothing: all ‘money saving initiatives’ that could lead to accidents in the workplace.
HSE crackdown on failure to follow health and safety advice
What’s more, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is targeting companies that fail to follow the management plans set down for them by contractors or health and safety advisers, thus putting workers or the public at risk. Once a risk assessment has been carried out, or a survey undertaken that uncovers potential hazards such as asbestos or legionnaire’s disease, the management plans must be followed and the situation constantly monitored. Of course this calls for an investment in staff time, which currently many businesses are keen to avoid.
What can happen when health and safety is breached
A garage in Edgware was fined by the HSE after it failed to comply with a safety order issued to protect its workers from being injured.
In Gateshead, an accident could have been prevented had some inexpensive measures been put in place. An employee was seriously injured whilst standing with his feet in between hot conveyor rollers; his feet were crushed, his forearms were burnt and he had to have his leg amputated below the knee.
Coventry Construction Ltd was prosecuted when they failed to action the advice given by their own health and safety consultants and HSE officials. In November 2009, HSE inspectors highlighted inadequate guards on drills and guillotines amongst other issues. The company failed to resolve the issues, thus putting workers at serious risk.
If cost cutting methods in your workplace have led to an accident, and you have been injured or made ill as a result, you could be entitled to compensation.
Stephensons have personal injury claims lawyers who deal specifically with workplace accidents and incidents where Health and Safety Executive prosecutions have taken place. Talk to us today to see if you have a viable claim. Call 01616 966 229 for expert advice.
By personal injury solicitor, Kate Sweeney
Comments