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Thursday 30th November 2023

Revolutionizing Accident Reporting for Safer Workplaces: A Call to Action by the Access Industry Forum.

Revolutionizing Accident Reporting for Safer Workplaces: A Call to Action by the Access Industry Forum (AIF).

In the realm of workplace safety, falls from height continue to be a predominant cause of industrial injuries, prompting a call for a paradigm shift in accident reporting by the Access Industry Forum (AIF). The Access Industry Forum, an alliance of 10 trade bodies dedicated to safe working at height, including esteemed organizations such as the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), and the Ladder Association, is urging for a transformation in information gathering to combat the stagnation observed in recent Health & Safety Executive (HSE) statistics.

Why Change is Imperative:
Despite the ongoing efforts to enhance workplace safety, the latest HSE statistics reveal a disheartening trend - little improvement in the numbers related to falls from height. This alarming stagnation necessitates a re-evaluation of the current approach to accident reporting. The AIF argues that the existing system, which relies on limited data collected by official statistics, falls short in providing a comprehensive understanding of the causes of industrial injuries. To foster progress in workplace safety, it is crucial to adopt a new strategy that delves deeper into the nuances of accidents, facilitating informed, preventative measures.

Recently published statistics from the HSE report that more than 5,000 people in Great Britain were injured at work last year due to a fall from height, of whom 40 were killed. These incidents are required by law to be reported by employers under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

The Legal Framework:
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and its associated regulations, employers are legally obligated to take proactive steps to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of their employees. This obligation extends to individuals working full-time, part-time, or on a self-employed or agency basis. The current call for a revised accident reporting system aligns with the broader commitment to creating work environments that prioritize safety and minimize the risks associated with falls from height.

AIF's Vision:
The Access Industry Forum envisions a future where accident reporting goes beyond mere statistics, providing a nuanced understanding of the circumstances surrounding falls from height. By advocating for a more detailed and insightful reporting system, the AIF aims to empower organizations to implement targeted preventative measures. This proactive approach is expected to pave the way for a substantial reduction in workplace injuries related to falls from height.

The AIF is renewing its call for a simplified system of reporting to more accurately reflect the cause of workplace accidents so that informed, preventative measures can be implemented to address the cause of fall from height incidents.

Join the Movement:
Unlike most other types of workplace injuries, the consequences of a fall from height are usually life-changing for the person involved, with many unlikely to return to their previous occupation, as well as having long-term consequences for employers, colleagues and families.

As Personal Injury Solicitors committed to championing the rights and wellbeing of workers, we invite you to join the movement for a revamped approach to accident reporting.

The Access Industry Forum's call to action is a pivotal step toward fostering a culture of safety and accountability. Let us unite in advocating for change and shaping a future where accidents are not just numbers but valuable lessons that guide us towards comprehensive workplace safety. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the landscape of occupational health and safety.

Whether you work full-time, part-time or on a self-employed or agency basis, under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and the raft of associated regulations, your employer is legally obliged to take steps to safeguard your health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.

This legal duty requires them to:
•    carry out regular risk assessments of your workplace and implement measures to minimise any risk found;
•    regularly check that machinery is fault-free and safe to use;
•    provide personal protective clothing and equipment – such as goggles, masks or hard hats - where necessary;
•    provide you with adequate training and supervision;
•    and ensure you get regular breaks and that the work environment is kept clean.

If your employer fails in this legal duty, they may be found to be negligent and you would have a valid claim for compensation. For most workplace accident cases, negligence would be found if the employer responsible had failed to act how a ‘reasonable man’ would act in a similar situation.

What evidence do I need to bring a claim?
To help your specialist personal injury lawyer strengthen your compensation claim, you should gather evidence from the accident scene and afterwards. This includes:
•    your entry in the workplace accident book;
•    photographs of the accident scene and your injuries;
•    names and contact details of any potential eyewitnesses;
•    any CCTV footage of the event (which your employer has a legal duty to provide);
•    details of any medical treatment you received after the accident;
•    a written account of the incident and how your injuries have affected you;
•    details of any expenses which you have had to pay out because of your injury.

How can a solicitor help?
Our specialist personal injury lawyers will help you gather and organise the evidence you need to prove your case, refer you to a medical expert to assess your injuries and the effect they have had on your life, and strive to win you the financial settlement you deserve.

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you usually have three years to bring a claim from the time of the accident or from the time you realised the full impact of your injuries (whichever comes later), but it is a good idea to consult a solicitor as soon as possible after the accident while details are still fresh in the minds of everyone involved.

How much compensation will I receive?
The compensation you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries and your long-term prognosis, but could include damages for:
•    pain and suffering (mental or physical);
•    loss of earnings;
•    medical expenses;
•    loss of potential earnings;
•    out of pocket expenses;
•    adaptations required to your home;
•    your consultation and representation.

If you or someone you know work in the construction industry and have suffered an accident or injury, contact us now to discuss your legal situation and we can advise you of the options available to you. For more information, call Roger Henderson on 01392 209218 or email roger.henderson@rundlewalker.com.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.