Every year, thousands of people in the UK are injured at work. But what are the most common workplace accidents? In this guide, we’ll take you through the most frequently seen incidents, discuss employer liability and look at how you could make a personal injury claim for compensation if you’ve been injured at work.
What are the most common workplace accidents in the UK?
As an employee, your employer has a duty of care to you and your colleagues – which includes protecting you from workplace accidents. Here are some of the most common injuries at work that we encounter:
1. Slips, trips and falls
Slips and trips are the most common workplace injuries in the UK. Depending on the severity of the accident, they could lead to sprains, fractures or even head injuries. Common causes include wet floors, poor lighting or cluttered walkways.
2. Manual handling injuries
Lifting heavy loads without proper training or equipment can cause back strains, hernias and muscle injuries. As a common accident at work, manual handling injuries can happen anywhere from warehouses and factories to hospitals and farms.
3. Burns and chemical injuries
Caused by fire, chemical exposure or cleaning fluids, workplace burns are common in kitchens, labs, factories and salons, often due to improper PPE or COSHH risk assessments.
4. Vehicle and machinery accidents
Accidents that involve forklifts, delivery vehicles or heavy machinery can cause serious or even fatal injuries. These incidents are often linked to poor training, rushed work or lack of safety checks by your employer.
5. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
Repetitive strain injury, both office-related and physical, can cause back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Office-related RSI — This is caused by prolonged desk and computer work.
- Physical RSI — This is caused by repetitive movements like tool-based work.
6. Work-from-home injuries
The rise of remote work has led to an increase in injuries related to poor home workstation setups, including back pain and eye strain.
7. Mental health injuries
Stress at work, burnout and anxiety are increasingly being recognised as valid reasons for a workplace injury claim. In fact, the Health and Safety Executive stated that 776,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2023/24.
8. Eye strain from digital work
Extended screen time without proper breaks or correct lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches and reduced productivity. If your workplace has failed to supply you with the right equipment for working from home, you might have a claim.
What should you do if you’ve been injured at work?
If you have been involved in a workplace accident, follow these steps to secure your safety and begin a compensation claim.
- Report your accident — Your employer is legally required to keep an accident book. Report the accident and ask for a copy of the report.
- Get a medical diagnosis — Visit a doctor to get a professional diagnosis for your injury.
- Contact a specialist solicitor — Get in touch and present your case to Injury Lawyers 4u.
- Gather evidence — Collect as much evidence as possible, including medical reports, photos and financial statements.
Once we talk to you about your workplace accident compensation claim, we will notify your employer of the case against them and begin the negotiations for settlement.
Can you make a no-win, no-fee claim?
If you choose to pursue a workplace accident case with Injury Lawyers 4u, our no-win, no-fee accident claims mean you won’t have to pay a penny in legal fees unless your case is successful.
Speak to a workplace injury specialist today
If you believe you have been injured in the workplace and it wasn’t your fault, Injury Lawyers 4u can help you get back on your feet. And with our no-win, no-fee model, you can start a case without the fear of financial repercussions. Let our experts help you — contact us today.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common injuries suffered at work?
Slips, trips, strains, burns and stress-related conditions are among the most common workplace injuries in the UK.
Can I claim for an injury if I work from home?
If your employer hasn’t provided a safe home working setup, you may be eligible to claim.
Is stress or mental health a valid reason for a workplace injury claim?
If your employer failed to support you through a mental health crisis, you might have an eligible case.
What’s the time limit for making a workplace injury claim?
Typically, you will have three years from the date of the accident or diagnosis to make a workplace injury claim.
Do I need evidence to make a successful workplace claim?
The more evidence you have to back up your workplace injury claim the better. The best evidence you can have includes medical records, incident reports and witness statements.
How much compensation can I claim for a workplace injury?
Compensation is divided into general damages, covering the pain and suffering of your injury, and special damages, covering the financial implications. Special damage will vary from case to case; but for a rough idea of general damages, use our compensation calculator.
Can I make a claim if the injury was partly my fault?
You can still make a workplace injury claim if you were partially at fault. This is known as contributory negligence.
What if my employer didn’t provide proper equipment or training?
If your employer failed to provide the correct PPE or training, this could be considered negligence and could form the basis for a workplace injury claim.
Are repetitive strain injuries eligible for compensation?
If your repetitive strain injury was caused or worsened by your working conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
Will I lose my job if I make a workplace injury claim?
It’s illegal for your employer to dismiss you for making a legitimate workplace injury claim.