Electric shock at work claims solicitors

What is the estimated number of electrical accident reports within the workplace each year?

Each year, the HSE receives approximately 1000 reports of electrical accidents that occur in the workplace.

What components can be included in compensation claims for electric shock at work?

Compensation claims for electric shock at work can include two primary elements: ‘general damages’ and ‘special damages’. General damages pertain directly to the injury itself, and may cover aspects such as the pain and suffering experienced, any life-altering injuries like paralysis, as well as psychological damage.

Special damages, on the other hand, relate to the financial losses occurred as a result of the electric shock injury. These can encompass loss of earnings due to time taken off work (including predicted future time off), medical expenses both current and future, transport costs to and from medical appointments, and even costs related to necessary modifications to your home or vehicle.

What is the timeframe for making a claim after an electric shock injury at work?

The period for lodging a claim following an electric shock injury at work is generally three years from the date of the injury or the date the injury related to the shock was diagnosed. This duration may vary in different circumstances such as when the individual was working abroad or when the claim is for a manufacturing defect. In such scenarios, the three-year limit would be applicable from the time the injury was discovered. Additionally, if the individual involved is under the age of 18, they can lodge a claim until their 21st birthday, or a representative (known as a ‘litigation friend’) can make a claim on their behalf.

Can electric shock at work claims be made on a no win, no fee basis?

Yes, electric shock at work claims can be made on a no win, no fee basis. If you’ve suffered an electric shock at work due to workplace negligence, you may be eligible to make a claim. If the claim is successful, the fee will be covered. It’s important to contact specialist accident at work claims solicitors to discuss the process and get the help you need. The severity of your injuries, the level of negligence present in your workplace, and other factors will determine the compensation amounts.

What are some examples of workplace negligence that could lead to electric shock?

There are multiple instances of workplace negligence that might lead to an electric shock injury. One such instance is when an employer asks you to perform electrical work for which you haven’t been appropriately trained. This puts you at risk as you may not fully understand the safety measures required when dealing with electrical equipment.

Another example would be an employer failing to provide you with the correct safety gear or electrical testing equipment. This is vital for ensuring that you are protected when working with electrical systems and machinery. The absence of such equipment greatly increases the risk of electrical shock.

Lastly, negligence could also take the form of an employer not carrying out essential maintenance and inspections of the equipment and machinery in the workplace. Without regular inspections, malfunctions or faults in the equipment may go unnoticed and uncorrected, creating a high risk of electric shock for employees using them.

What are the regulations concerning electricity in the workplace?

Workplace regulations concerning electricity are primarily based around two essential factors: employees and equipment. Firstly, only staff members who have received suitable training should be assigned to work on electrical installations and equipment. Secondly, every piece of electrical equipment at the workplace must be thoroughly inspected, adequately maintained and confirmed to be in good working condition.

Inspections are especially vital for equipment used on construction sites and in factories. A common starting point for these inspections is a Portable Appliance Test (PAT). However, regulations mandate that more detailed checks be carried out for specific types of workplaces and equipment.

In addition, according to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty to ensure workplace safety. This includes providing adequate electrical equipment training and ensuring that the equipment is not damaged. Any form of damage to the equipment such as frayed cords, damaged insulation or broken plugs must be prevented. Employers are also required to provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as insulated gloves.

Employers are legally obligated to report certain incidents under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). These include serious accidents caused by electricity, accidents that result in death or severe injury necessitating more than three days off work, and electrical overloads or short circuits that lead to fires or explosions.

If an employer fails to meet these safety regulations, they may be held accountable under The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992, and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1998.

What are the typical causes of electric shock injuries in the workplace?

Typical causes of electric shock injuries in the workplace often stem from neglect in adhering to safety regulations and poor maintenance. Power surges, due to inappropriate replacement of protective electrical equipment with higher-rated versions, can lead to electric shocks. Secondly, exposed electrical components such as wires, broken light switches, or damaged plug sockets, commonly found in construction sites, can cause serious injuries.

Additionally, improper ‘earthing’ or grounding of an electrical power system can lead to equipment becoming ‘live’ and potentially causing severe injuries. Other factors include the presence of liquids near electrical equipment which can lead to short circuits, and poor maintenance resulting in hazards such as exposed wires or loose connections. Lack of adequate risk assessments and safety checks can also contribute to electric shock injuries at the workplace.

What types of electric shock injuries can be included in compensation claims?

In a compensation claim for an electric shock at work, two types of electric shock injuries can be included – ‘general damages’ and ‘special damages’. General damages directly relate to the injuries sustained from the electric shock, which can range from pain and suffering to life-changing injuries like paralysis. It also includes psychological damages incurred as a result of the shock.

On the other hand, special damages are related to the financial losses suffered because of the electric shock injury. These can include loss of earnings due to absence from work (including predicted time off), current and future medical expenses, transport expenses for medical appointments and the costs involved in adapting your home or car to accommodate the injury. These claims are based on the severity of the injury and the financial impact it has had.

What constitutes employer negligence in preventing electric shocks at work?

Employer negligence in preventing electric shocks at work can be constituted by several factors. One example is if the employer asks an employee to perform electrical work that they are not trained to do. This puts the employee at risk as they may not have the necessary knowledge or skills to safely complete the task.

Another instance of negligence is the failure to provide employees with the appropriate safety gear or electrical testing equipment. Without these, employees are exposed to potential hazards that could result in electric shocks.

Additionally, the employer’s failure to carry out essential maintenance and inspections can also indicate negligence. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for ensuring that electrical equipment is safe to use. If these are neglected, malfunctions or faults in the equipment could cause electric shocks to employees.

Furthermore, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty to keep their employees safe. This includes providing sufficient training on electrical equipment usage and ensuring that equipment is not damaged. If these obligations are not met, the employer can be considered negligent.

There are also specific safety standards that employers must meet, according to The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992, and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1998. Failure to meet these standards could be seen as negligence on the part of the employer, leading to electric shock injuries.

How can you support an electric shock at work compensation claim with evidence?

Backing an electric shock at work compensation claim with evidence involves several aspects. First, workplace negligence plays a key role in these claims. This negligence could take many forms, including being asked to carry out untrained electrical work, not being given the appropriate safety equipment or electrical testing tools, or a failure in carrying out essential maintenance and inspections. If such negligence led to an electric shock at work, you may be able to make a claim.

Reporting your accident through the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) is also crucial. Employers are legally obligated to report serious accidents caused by electricity, accidents resulting in death or injuries requiring more than three days off work, and electrical overloads or short circuits causing fires or explosions. If your employer has reported your accident, this could boost the strength of your claim.

Proving that your employer breached safety regulations can further support your claim. Employers must meet safety standards outlined in various regulations, including the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992, and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1998. If these safety standards were not met and led to an electric shock at work, it can help to demonstrate that your employer was responsible for the incident.

Lastly, documenting the extent of your injuries and the financial losses you’ve suffered due to your electric shock injury is important. These could include loss of earnings from time off work, medical expenses, transport costs to medical appointments, and adaptations made to your home or car.

Can an individual lose their job if they claim compensation for an electric shock at work?

No, an individual cannot be legally dismissed from their job for claiming compensation following an electric shock at work. It’s crucial to remember that any compensation awarded does not come directly from the employer, but instead their insurer. Therefore, making a claim does not directly affect the company’s finances. The employer is legally unable to dismiss an employee for making a compensation claim for an injury suffered at work.