Many workplaces can end up cluttered when workers are busily going about their jobs. In the case of construction sites and similar working environments it can be typical for tools and tackle to end up in all sorts of places in the working area.
But there is no excuse when it comes to the traffic route regulations and making sure that employees are safe when navigating the workplace. If you are injured having stepped, tripped or slipped on a tool at work then read on for some vital advice.
The law
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations have a specific section that addresses the condition of traffic routes and floors in the workplace. The most applicable section here reads as follows:
12. (3) So far as is reasonably practicable, every floor in a workplace and the surface of every traffic route in a workplace shall be kept free from obstructions and from any article or substance which may cause a person to slip, trip or fall.
So from a procedural point of view there is a duty on an employer to take reasonable steps to prevent tools from becoming a danger on the floor. Whether you have stepped on a screwdriver and fallen awkwardly to the ground, slipped on a piece of sand paper, or tripped on drill lying on the floor, you may have a workplace claim for personal injury compensation.
Reasonable steps taken to prevent such things can include training for staff, the provision of toolboxes and areas designated for housing tools, and general policies of workplace cleanliness. But if a colleague is responsible for ignoring procedure and leaves a tool on the floor that causes your injury then you should still be able to claim.
The term ‘vicarious liability’ often applies where the negligence of a colleague falls on to your employer. As such, if you’re workmate ignored the rules and left a saw on the floor and you slipped on the blade, you still should have a decent shot at winning your case.
Employers have a legal duty to have insurance to cover their employees for accidents and injuries in the workplace. To make a claim the simple and safe way call our free claims helpline on 0800 634 7575 today.
