Accidents in the workplace can often prove to be awkward, embarrassing and potentially damaging in both a social and professional context. Whilst a slip, trip or fall in the workplace may seem comical, any such injury can have a devastating effect on the victim; indeed, not only may he or she suffer serious physical injuries but the road to recovery is often complicated by employers who attempt to avoid litigation by applying pressure on injured employees.

However, people who are injured at work have every right to make work injury claims in the pursuit of compensation.

In order to claim compensation following an accident in the workplace, it is necessary for the injured party to identify precisely what caused the injury. In some cases, injuries can be attributed to an obvious cause; for example, a poorly positioned box that results in a person tripping over it describes a relatively straightforward case.

More complex injuries, such as those caused by repetitive actions or exposure to harmful substances, can be less easy to ascertain. Nevertheless, by discussing symptoms with fellow employees, an injured worker can often uncover the cause of his injuries or illness.

After identifying the cause of the injury, it is worth supporting any subsequent claim with photographic evidence and witness statements. Employers are under a statutory duty of care to ensure that employees, clients and visitors are not exposed to reasonably foreseeable risks, which requires the employer to undertake a risk assessment of the workplace.

Where an accident has occurred that results in injury, the victim should also attend hospital for a full check-up before contacting a personal injury solicitor.