Many people experience back pain on a daily basis, but most people don’t realise that if their back pain is being caused or contributed to by the failure of their employer to comply with Health and Safety legislation they may be entitled to bring a case for redress.
Back injuries can have the most serious repercussions for your ability to work and enjoy your life and should be taken very seriously. In some cases, an injury at work can have lifelong consequences, impacting on individual well-being and quality of life .
Back Injury: When is an employer at fault?
Your employer is bound by law to provide a safe working environment that will help to prevent accidents and injuries wherever possible. They must ensure that the following protocols are observed:
Any premises where work is carried out must be safe and free from hazards, unless these are unavoidable in the industry in question, in which case they must be clearly marked.
All equipment and machinery provided for employees to use, must be in good condition and should be appropriate for the nature of the work. Personal Protection Equipment(PPE) must be up to date, and should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the required standards. As an employee, you must ensure that your own equipment complies with the appropriate standards each time you use it. If it does not you should make a complaint to your supervisor or employer.
Appropriate and thorough training must be given to all employees, for every element of the work they carry out. Adequate training must be given on all machinery, for example, and no employee should carry out a task they have not been trained to do. This includes training in lifting and manual handling of objects, if this is part of your job.
Regular breaks must be given throughout periods of work, and as an employee, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit for work. The above list is far from exhaustive but it does give an indication of what your employer is legally obliged to do in order to protect you while working.
If you feel that you may be entitled to bring a case as a result of a workplace injury, it is important to consult with a solicitor experienced in these matters.
Here at Whelehan Solicitor, we have 15+ years experience in dealing with claims of this type and are sensitive to the burden that such litigation places on the injured party.
Find Experienced Personal Injury Solicitors in Tralee, Co Kerry
Contact Whelehan Solicitor Tralee to arrange a free consultation without obligation. Simply call into our office in Tralee, Co.Kerry, contact us online, or call us today on 066 712 9782.
