Claim Compensation for Accidents Involving Moving Objects at Work
If you have suffered an injury caused by moving objects at work, be it falling boxes, collapsing structures, or the like, we can help you claim compensation. Our panel of work accident solicitors could provide their services on a no win, no fee* basis. Contact us today for no-obligation guidance, and to assess your claim for free.
Workplace Injuries From Falling, Flying and Collapsing Things in the UK
Accidents at work caused by moving objects striking people are absurdly common. The HSE reports them to be the third most common category of injury, after manual handling and slips, trips and falls. The struck by moving object type of accident make up 10% of all the workplace injuries reported in 2018/19. In the previous year, the cost of workplace injury was valued at £5.2 billion — even 10% of that is still a large figure.
Claim compensation for a deceased loved one killed by a moving object at work.
To make matters worse, being hit by moving objects has also resulted in 16 deaths in the workplace during the same period. However exactly the accident happened, if a loved one has died as a result, speak to our specialists today to discuss seeking justice for the deceased. We’re on 08082391859^ and offer a friendly and empathetic service.
What actually counts as a workplace “struck by something” accident?
Whilst it is true this kind of phrase conjures up a lot of mental imagery, it also begs the question — how are these risks not obvious and preventable? Typically, falling objects from storage racks and injuries from hand tools are the top offenders. We also have pallet trucks, roll away kegs or barrels and items coming out of machines to blame.
Hand tools are mostly in reference to knives or cutting instruments. Industrial grade sharpness is a very dangerous kind of knife and as such, account for 25% of all injuries within this category.
Being hit by a pallet truck is the 3rd most common type of accident in the struck by moving object category of work injuries. They are usually operated by pedestrians — which is why they don’t come under the hit by moving vehicle accident type — and require no formal training to operate. Furthermore, there were 611 reported dangerous occurrences or lifting equipment collapsing, overturning or outrightly failing during the 18/19 period.
What industries and workplace environments are at risk of moving object accidents?
In the case of objects falling onto people, it is typical of warehouses in the transport and storage sector to have such hazards, although pallet trucks can also be a threat. It is also a danger in building and construction sites, as a lot of work is carried out from heights, and requires hauling equipment up there too.
With injuries from hand tools, the most common area is in the food production arm of manufacturing. Such hazards are clear in these types of role, and ought to be protected against. Even agriculture, forestry and fishing, as well as waste management workplaces make use of hand tools to perform duties.
Pallet trucks are a little more ubiquitous. Retail and wholesale make use of them around the public, who’s potential lack of awareness to hazards poses great risk. In 2018/19, 92 members of the public lost their lives because of workplace activities, most of these to transport, but it’s clear to see that it’s not just the workers at risk from potentially negligent practices.
There has also been reported incidences of fast ejecting material striking workers in mining and quarrying industries — which is a little harder to prepare for, yet should be no less-risk assessed than the other types of moving object accidents.
What areas of the body are at greatest risk of damage from being struck by a moving thing?
If you’ve experienced something falling onto you at work, the likelihood is, according to statistics, you’ll have suffered a fracture. 90% of injuries reported by employers were in fact fractures. This could be simply arm or shoulder fractures, but it also could be skull fractures, which are life-threatening. In worse instances you’ll have suffered breaks and, in some cases, damage to one’s back or spine might result in life-long musculoskeletal disorders.
Being cut from hand tools tends to be a little more isolated to the upper limbs, but it can result in deep tissue injuries, and even amputations to parts of or whole fingers.
Pallet trucks, kegs, and barrels mostly seem interested in people’s legs, and can cause some serious damage to knees and feet.
Realistically, any part of your body is at risk from these types of accidents, so if you’ve been involved in one, we’ll do our utmost to aid in your recovery, no matter the severity.
What can be done to prevent accidents from moving objects?
The basic principle is that if objects are stored properly, they’re unlikely to fall onto people. If crates are piled in an intricate, Jenga-like manner, then the chances of a single item being removed bringing down the whole pile are substantially increased. Proper education into storage, like heavier items closer to the ground and having access to proper moving equipment to mitigate the need for manual handling. Self-standing objects that are tall or long need to be secured to prevent accidental knocking.
Hand tools need to be stowed away properly when not in use, like having sheaths for knives, and when in use, PPE should be supplied to reduce personal injury. Whilst it sounds counter-productive, sharpened knives also help to reduce required force of operation, making dull knives more dangerous.
In the case of pallets, racks or trolleys, making sure there is a clearly distinguished pathway available will reduce chances of collisions. Good visibility of the hazard from all concerned parties would also be a requirement.
What should you do after a workplace accident involving moving objects, will I have a case to claim?
First things first, get the injury recorded in the Accident Book, this way a proper account of the events is in place. If you feel like the accident wasn’t your fault, or is only partially your fault, get statements from witnesses of the accident at your workplace. It might also help to build a sense of what the culture is like at work. Pictures of the scene are also useful for visual aids in mapping out the chain of events that lead to the injury.
After you’re safe and strong enough to do so, speak to our team of personal injury solicitors**. We’re experts in dealing with accident claims from the workplace and will be able to assess your moving objects case for free. If we feel like you have a good standing to receive compensation, we’ll manage your case on a no win, no fee basis* — call us to today on 08082391859^ to discuss your options.
What advantages do I have if I claim compensation for being struck by a moving objects if I claim with Workplace Injury Claims?
- We have a team of technical qualifiers who can assess your claim for free. If they feel you have a case, we bring your claim to one of our panel solicitors — that way you don’t run up any legal fees by just asking questions.
- Our telephony team is open 24hrs a day, but you can leave them a message with our contact form, and they’ll get back to you within a few working days.
- Our panel of workplace injury solicitors can work on a no win, no fee* basis, meaning again, you’re not drumming up expensive legal fees by claiming for your personal injury.
- The team covers the whole of the UK, and you’ll be assigned a panel solicitor depending on if you’re in England and Wales, or Scotland.
- Our panel solicitors have helped thousands of injured people claim compensation.
- We can also help with rehabilitation; arranging physio as part of a whole accident management package.
- Our UK call centre is based in Manchester.
- We fight for the maximum compensation for your work injury, because ultimately your job is to make the company successful, and they should at least ensure your safety in exchange.
- When we calculate your claim amount, we factor in loss of earnings, general expenses and any ongoing costs incurred by the injury, so that you get the highest level of compensation due to you.
- We’re friendly, empathetic and here to help you however we can.
Get in touch with our workplace injury solicitors** today to find how if and how much compensation you could claim.
If you’ve had an accident involving moving objects at work and someone else is at fault, call our accident helpline today on 08082391859^ to start your claim — we’re here to help.
