According to the HSE, the estimated cost of injuries and ill health caused by working conditions in the UK topped £18.8 billion in 2019/22.
Whilst personal injury claims against an organization can be extremely costly in the financial sense, they can also be ruinous for your reputation too – particularly if you are found by a court to have behaved negligently in your workplace obligations.
So, how can employers protect themselves more effectively against personal injury claims? Here are ten ways that you can better protect your business.
Maintain a safe environment
Make sure your workplace is safe and free of hazards. Regularly inspect your premises and any tools or equipment that your staff use, clearly documenting any issues and ensuring unsafe items are removed from the site. Do the best that you can identify and mitigate potential hazards.
Provide effective training for your employees
A highly effective way to stave off potential claims is to ensure you provide an excellent standard of training for employees on workplace safety.
Many successful personal injury claims are brought by employees who successfully claim that inadequate training caused their injuries. It’s therefore essential to provide clear guidance on how to use equipment and tools properly, how to lift heavy items safely, and how to handle hazardous materials.
Implement robust safety procedures
Be sure to document safety procedures clearly in a staff handbook that is given to all employees upon joining the company.
To ensure that employees are aware of the procedures, organize regular recap sessions that are compulsory for staff to attend. Make sure your staff knows what actions they must take in the event of an accident or emergency.
Display clear warning signs around the workplace
If your workplace features areas, equipment, or machinery that is potentially hazardous, it is vital that warning signs, labels, and posters are in use to warn employees and visitors of the dangers.
When conducting onsite maintenance, such as cleaning or buffing floors, it is vital to display signs that warn staff of wet floors, slippery surfaces, and other changes to the environment that they may not be aware of.
Document everything
It’s also vital to keep clear records of everything that goes on in your business, even if it seems relatively trivial or minor.
So, alongside detailed records of safety inspections, employee training, and risk assessments, be sure to keep detailed incident reports including logs of any minor accidents or unforeseen hazards. These documents can be used as evidence in the event of a personal injury claim.
Purchase liability insurance
Operating a business without insurance poses an enormous risk in the event of personal injury claims.
Can you afford to cover your legal fees if a claim is made against you? If not, it is essential to take out liability insurance to help cover the cost of these fees and any damages awarded by a successful claim.
Consider using waiver and release forms
A waiver and release form is a legal document that is signed by an individual who agrees to voluntarily waive their right to pursue legal action or seek damages in the event of an injury, accident, or another potential claim.
Essentially, the form is a legal contract in which the person agrees to release the business or individual from liability for any harm or injury that may occur. Not all businesses will be able to use this type of legal agreement to protect themselves, so be sure to seek legal advice from qualified injury lawyers before proceeding down this route.
Ensure you meet regulatory compliance
Alongside keeping up to date with workplace safety regulations, you also need to ensure that your business meets regulatory compliance for your sector. Again, it’s highly advisable to seek legal advice to ensure that you are meeting the obligations set for your industry.
Conduct background checks
Carrying out detailed checks on new employees is vital for ensuring that they have a safe and responsible work history. Seek multiple references from former employers, particularly for job roles that involve taking leadership over workplace safety and the well-being of your staff.
Consult with legal professionals
Finally, and as already mentioned in several of the points above, be sure to seek guidance from legal professionals with expertise in personal injury claims. A qualified lawyer can provide guidance on liability issues, help you to understand how damages are awarded in personal injury cases, and help you develop effective risk management strategies.
