If you’re here, you’re likely questioning if what happened at work should have happened at all. Maybe you were injured or have developed a condition that’s left you unwell – and you suspect it wasn’t just bad luck. You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.
A breach of health and safety at work is a serious matter. UK law is designed to protect employees, making it every employer’s legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment. When those standards aren’t met and someone suffers as a result, personal injury lawyers offer a route to justice.
What is a health and safety breach?
A breach of health and safety at work occurs when an employer has failed their duty of care. This could involve ignoring recognised risks, not providing adequate protective equipment or not acting on known hazards.
Employers must anticipate potential dangers and put reasonable measures in place to prevent injury. When they don’t, they’re considered negligent.
If you’re wondering ‘what is a health and safety breach in the UK?’, It’s typically any situation where legal duties to keep workers safe have not been met, resulting in harm.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK’s national regulator for workplace safety. It sets the benchmark for what counts as acceptable standards and holds employers to account. You can find more information about the HSE’s work on our Health and Safety page.
Employer responsibilities under UK law
The law is clear: employers are required to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees while at work. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 lays down the general duty, while specific regulations like The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 provide further detail.
Key health and safety responsibilities of a UK employer include:
- Carrying out regular risk assessments
- Providing proper training and supervision
- Ensuring safe systems of work and equipment
- Supplying necessary PPE and COSHH (Personal Protective Equipment and Control of Substances Harmful to Health)
- Recording and investigating accidents and incidents
While responsibilities are primarily placed on the employer, there’s a shared duty where employees must follow procedures and report risks. However, the burden remains on the employer to lead and maintain practices.
Failing to conduct proper risk assessments, not giving adequate safety training, not informing workers about hazardous substances are all common signs of negligence at work.
Common examples of health and safety breaches at work
To help you recognise whether your situation may involve a health and safety breach, here are some real-world scenarios:
- Inadequate training or supervision – such as asking someone to operate machinery that they haven’t been trained to use.
- Unsafe equipment or premises – like faulty ladders, exposed wiring or slippery floors left unmarked.
- Failure to provide PPE – for instance, not supplying gloves, masks or helmets in hazardous conditions.
- Ignoring risk assessments – not acting on known risks, or failing to update safety measures over time.
- Poor manual handling procedures – expecting staff to lift heavy items without proper guidance or equipment.
- Workplace violence or harassment not addressed – allowing unsafe interpersonal dynamics to escalate.
You’ll find more tailored information on our Construction and Warehouse Injury page, where these kinds of risks are sadly all too common.
When is a health and safety breach actionable?
Not every safety issue leads to a valid claim. There must be a clear link between the breach and the harm you suffered. If you’ve experienced an injury or illness that was directly caused – or made worse – by an unsafe environment at work, you may have grounds to claim for unsafe working conditions.
Examples of actionable claims include:
- Developing respiratory problems after prolonged exposure to dust due to lack of ventilation.
- Slipping on an unmarked wet floor and fracturing a bone.
- Suffering a repetitive strain injury due to poor workstation ergonomics.
In most cases you have three years from the date of the injury (or from when you became aware of the link between your condition and the breach) to make a claim. Evidence is crucial. This may include:
- Medical reports
- Photographs of the hazard
- Witness statements
- Accident book entries
To get a better understanding of your potential compensation, try our compensation calculator.
What to do if you think there has been a breach
Feeling unsure about what to do next is completely normal. Here are some steps you can take:
- Report the issue internally – speak to your manager, HR department or designated health and safety officer.
- Document everything – keep a detailed record of what happened, including dates, names and any supporting evidence.
- Gather evidence – photos, texts, emails, witness statements – all can be valuable later.
- Report to HSE if necessary – particularly in serious cases or where the issue hasn’t been dealt with.
- Seek legal advice – that’s where we come in.
You don’t have to do this alone – we can help. Get in touch today and start a confidential conversation with our legal experts.
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help
If your employer failed duty of care and it’s affected your health, you have rights – and time is of the essence. Injury Lawyers 4u specialises in helping people like you take the next step.
Our solicitors will:
- Listen to your situation with empathy and discretion
- Review your case for free
- Explain your rights clearly
- Handle your claim under a no win, no fee agreement, so there’s no financial risk to you
Whether you’re looking for answers or ready to make a claim, we’re here to help you secure the support, justice and compensation you deserve.
FAQs
What is considered a health and safety breach?
A health and safety breach occurs when an employer fails to meet legal duties to keep staff safe – such as not completing risk assessments or providing PPE.
Can I claim for unsafe working conditions?
Yes, if those conditions directly caused or contributed to an injury or illness, you may be eligible to claim.
What if my employer didn’t follow proper procedures?
That could be strong evidence of negligence. Lack of procedures or failure to follow them can support your claim.
Can I claim even if no one reported the issue before?
Yes. A breach can still be valid even if no prior reports were made. What matters is the employer’s failure to act.
Do I need evidence of a health and safety breach?
Yes, evidence strengthens your case. This includes photos, medical records, witness statements and internal reports.