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Asbestos is a group of long fibre minerals that were used in many buildings in the 20^th century. It is often used in ceiling tiles and was even used in brake pads. It has been illegal to use in the UK since 1999 and is now illegal in EU member states. However, it still exists in many buildings throughout the UK, so care needs to be taken; particularly for builders working in buildings with asbestos.

When the asbestos is undamaged it apparently poses no risk to your health. However, even the slightest damage, such as a chip, can cause it to start releasing dust particles. These dust fibres can then be breathed in by everyone in the building. It is this dust that carries many health risks as it works its way into your lungs and causes potentially serious damage.
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Lifting heavy objects has the potential to cause severe injury that can leave you suffering for weeks or even months after an incident. Even if an object is well within your capabilities to lift you should always apply correct lifting techniques to prevent injury. This should be covered by your employer in your health and safety training; if it wasn’t, you may have a claim for compensation if you end up injuring yourself.

Usually the correct lifting technique requires you to keep your back straight and use your legs (which have much stronger muscles than your lower back) to perform the lift. Always follow any training provided by your employer as it will help reduce the chances of suffering injury, and some of the training may be specific to your job and the types of objects you will be lifting.
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What constitutes a dangerous working practise?

There are many obvious cases of dangerous activities at work, such as working at height, but a dangerous working practise would be carrying out these activities without the proper safety equipment to reduce the chance of injury. Not having good site order is classed as a dangerous working practise – this is particularly important in the construction industry. Similarly, machinery should always be fitted with guards, especially around any moving parts, and stairs and walkways should be clear from obstacles. All companies should have a health and safety procedure that you should be informed of when starting your employment. Any changes to this procedure should also be distributed to staff.

What steps can you take at work to prevent injury?

If you feel that an activity at work is not safe to carry out, inform your employer about it immediately. It’s always better to prevent an injury before it happens. Advising your employer about improved safety equipment could save them money against costly insurance claims. Always ensure that you use the safety equipment provided, as failure to do so can prevent you from making a claim. Although your employer should enforce that safety equipment be used, it can be negligent on your part for not using it.
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So you’ve had an accident at work and you want to know how much your claim could be worth. Then you should check out our Accident at Work Compensation Calculator found under the FREE INSTANT VALUATION tab on this page. Just select your injury, answer a few questions and the calculator will text your free valuation intsantly to your mobile or landline mumber. Its as simple as that!
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If you have suffered an accident at work using equipment that you were not properly trained on, regardless of your previous experience, you may agree it is one of the most easily avoidable types of accident.

Your employer has a duty to maintain your health and safety whilst you are working; this includes providing training on all equipment that you will be using during your working time. Even if you’re experienced in a particular job or piece of equipment, your employer must cover how to use the equipment safely; slight differences in machines can lead to injuries that are easily avoidable. This does not just relate to new employees – you can have worked for a company for 20 years, but if you’re instructed to use equipment that you are not familiar with, proper training should always be provided.
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We spend a large proportion of our lives at work – so it comes as no surprise that a high number of personal injury claims result from accidents that happen when people are at work.

Your employer has a legal duty to look after you. An old case decided in 1937 between a mineworker called Mr English and his employers, Wilsons & Clyde Coal Company, set out the extent of this duty.
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OK – so you have had an accident at work and you want to know if you are entitled to make a make a claim for compensation. Well, here is a quick guide to fill you in as to whether you could be entitled to thousands of pounds in compensation for your injuries, suffering, and loss.
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Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE as it is more commonly known, is equipment which can be used or worn to protect you from risks to your health and safety. PPE can come in all shapes and sizes, and so can be anything from safety boots, to ear defenders, to anti vibration gloves.

It is the duty of your employer to provide the necessary PPE, and to cover the full costs of the equipment. Once you are provided with the PPE you should also be trained in its use, your employer should be able to evidence this training with documentation.

Employers must also ensure that the PPE itself does not cause a risk to health and safety, For example, there should be no risk of the PPE getting trapped in machinery or the user overheating due to it.
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There are many different rules and regulations which your employer needs to follow in order to fulfil their duty to you in protecting you from risks to your health and safety. I have listed below some of the main areas these rules and regulations are contained within:
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If you are reading this blog, you may have suffered an accident at work, and are looking to research the matter to find out whether you have a claim, and what to do next. If so, read on to hopefully answer a few of your questions.
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