Preventative Training

Workplace accidents can happen in many different ways. Its often new employees that are involved in workplace accidents because they are not aware of the dangers involved with the job. Early preventative training and induction procedures are important tools in helping to prevent accidents at work.

Preventing workplace accidents

The training employee’s need will obviously depend on the industry and occupation they work in. For example, the training needed to prevent workplace accidents in the construction industry is very different to the training employers who operate in an office environment will need to provide.

In the construction industry, all new employees should receive a full induction as soon as possible after starting on a new site. Protective equipment also plays a big part in preventing workplace accidents on a construction site. Again the equipment needed will vary, but may include a high-visibility vest, steel toe-capped boots or protective gloves. If you’ve been injured as a result of not being provided with the appropriate safety equipment, this could well amount to negligence, meaning you are eligible to claim compensation for your injuries.

Another job that carries a relatively high risk of injury is working in a factory, although this was more the case in the past when health and safety measures were not so strictly regulated. Preventative training in a factory could involve being shown how to lift heavy objects properly and how to stop machinery as quickly as possible in an emergency.

In the office environment, the risk of sustaining serious injury is smaller, but workplace accidents still happen. Often, these incidents could have been avoided by the employer taking the correct health and safety precautions and providing appropriate training. Preventative training in the office environment may also involve an induction, during which employees are made aware of potential hazards such as changes in floor level, or given instructions on how to use electrical equipment in the office safely.

Clearly some roles carry more risk of injury than others, but workplace accidents can occur in any job and preventative training is vital in avoiding unnecessary injuries.

Claiming compensation after a workplace accident

For most people, the main barrier to claiming compensation is the worry that they could lose their job or get treated badly by their employer. In fact, it’s illegal for your employer to sack you or treat you differently after making a claim. Visit Is my Job at Risk? for more information.

To find out more or to make a work accident claim, either call our helpline or fill out our short online claim form.