8 common causes of work accidents in Teesside

Eight common causes of work accidents in Teesside

4 Minute Read

Askews Solicitors’ personal injury claims department is one of the most well-regarded injury litigation teams in the Teesside area. We serve a high-volume of personal injury cases each year, many of which came as a consequence of a work accident.

In this article, we look at some of the most common types of workplace accidents that our team regularly sees.

  1. Slips, Trips and Falls
  2. Machinery
  3. Repetitive Strain Injuries
  4. Heavy Lifting
  5. Crushing Injuries
  6. Electric
  7. Fires
  8. Work-Related Vehicle Accidents

Keep in mind, workplace accidents come in many forms, and this list is not comprehensive.

Many common workplace injuries often overlap, as various types of incidents can be interconnected and may involve multiple risk factors simultaneously.

1. Slips, Trips & Falls

Slips, trips and falls are probably the most frequent type of workplace accidents in North East England. These incidents can occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces or cluttered walkways. The most serious of these incidents are falls from a height such as a fall from a ladder or from scaffolding.

Injuries from such accidents can vary from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like broken bones or head injuries.

These types of accidents are prevalent in workplaces such as offices, construction sites and warehouses.

2. Machinery

Accidents involving machinery can happen when employees interact with hazardous machinery or equipment such as power tools, industrial presses and heavy machinery. Injuries from machinery accidents can include amputations, crush injuries and burns.

These incidents are frequently found in manufacturing, construction and other industries that utilise machinery.

3. Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are a common type of workplace injury. These injuries occur from repetitive movements or overuse of certain muscles and tendons, often due to tasks such as typing, lifting or operating machinery.

Injuries from repetitive strain can range from mild discomfort and pain to more serious conditions like tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

These types of injuries are prevalent in workplaces such as offices, factories and any industry involving repetitive tasks.

4. Heavy Lifting

Manual handling injuries are another frequent cause of workplace accidents. These injuries can happen when employees lift, carry or move heavy objects without adequate training, equipment or physical capability. Injuries from manual handling accidents often include strains and sprains.

These incidents are commonly found in manual labour industries such as construction, manufacturing and warehousing.

5. Crushing Injuries

Crushing injuries are a serious type of workplace accident that occur when a body part is caught, squeezed or compressed between two objects. These injuries often happen with heavy machinery, vehicles or in situations where large objects are moved or fall unexpectedly.

Injuries from crushing incidents can be severe, including broken bones, severe bruising, internal injuries and in extreme cases, amputations.

These types of accidents are prevalent in industries such as construction, manufacturing and warehousing, where heavy equipment and materials are frequently handled.

6. Electric

Electrical accidents can occur when employees interact with electrical equipment such as power tools, wiring or electrical panels. Injuries resulting from these accidents include shocks, burns and electrocution.

These incidents are commonly found in industries involving electrical work, such as construction, manufacturing and electrical engineering.

7. Fire

Fire-related accidents can arise from faulty electrical equipment, unattended equipment or flammable materials. Injuries resulting from fire-related accidents include burns and smoke inhalation.

These accidents are commonly found in industries involving the use of flammable materials, such as manufacturing, construction and warehousing.

8. Work-Related Vehicle Accidents

Work vehicle accidents are quite common. These incidents can happen when employees operate vehicles or are near them during work activities. Examples include delivery vans, construction machinery and public transport vehicles. Injuries from work vehicle accidents can include whiplash, impact injuries and crush injuries.

These accidents are frequently found in industries that rely on work vehicles, such as delivery and transportation, construction and manufacturing and public transportation such as buses and taxis.

You have the right to a safe working environment

Workplace accidents can greatly affect an employee’s life and well-being.

Therefore, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers are obligated to take reasonable preventative measures whenever possible. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, providing training and supplying appropriate PPE.

Accidents at work claims & compensation in North East England

If you have sustained a workplace injury within the past three years, it is important that you seek independent legal advice. If your employer was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation.

Speak with a work accident claims solicitor

Askews Solicitors are experts in accidents at work claims. Visit Accidents at Work to learn more about how we can help, or Contact Us to discuss a ‘no win no fee’ claim.

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as advice of any kind.