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Plant and Equipment and the Prevention of Accidents at Work

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Digger on a construction siteOperators of heavy machinery and plant hold great responsibility. The size and weight of the machines they use have the ability to cause devastating damage and therefore need to be safely handled and closely monitored at all times. Failure to do so could potentially result in catastrophic, life-changing injuries and even loss of life.

How can accidents involving plant and equipment be prevented?

When using plant machinery – excavators, cranes, dumpers, bulldozers – there are three key safety precautions that need to be undertaken. These will give workers the best possible chance of staying safe.

  • The machines need to be properly maintained – this includes making sure that all the appropriate safeguards (the guards, interlocks, pressure-sensitive mats, etc.) are fitted and operational before the machines are used.
  • The machines must be used correctly in exact accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
  • Workers on site and those operating the machines must be wearing the correct protective gear and have been suitably trained

These precautions are enforced by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, which requires all plant and equipment to be maintained so that they do not pose a danger to employees and for all maintenance operations to be carried out under the safest conditions possible (this is especially true if the maintenance work has to be carried out at height or in a confined space where hazardous substances may be present).

It is a complicated set of rules, designed to make sure that the equipment provided is fit for purpose and that it is safe.

You can find more information on the Regulations on our Unsafe Work Equipment page.

Personal protective equipment regulations

Employers also have a duty to provide their employees with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles, helmets or gloves where necessary.

The rules governing PPE are found in The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002. In very general terms, they oblige employers to use PPE only as a last resort – if at all possible, the task should be carried out in such a way that the employees will not be exposed to risk at all.

However, when this is not possible, PPE must be supplied. In this case, there are several things that must be made sure of:

  • It must be fit for purpose.
  • It must be properly stored and maintained.
  • Employees must be trained in its use.
  • Employees must use it properly.

Can I make a claim?

It is imperative that plant operators take all the necessary precautions to keep the risk of a worker suffering even just a minor injury, let alone a catastrophic one, at an absolute minimum.

However, accidents do still happen, and sometimes the root cause of them is another's negligence. If this was the case for an accident involving either yourself or a loved one, then you should be able to claim compensation.

Thompsons Solicitors have years of experience helping victims of accidents successfully claim the recompense that is owed to them. You can rest assured that with one of our solicitors by your side, you will be receiving honest, straightforward advice every step of the way from a seasoned legal expert who will always put the best interests of you and your family before everything else. Take the first step by calling Thompsons today to discuss your case with a lawyer who is right for you.

For your added comfort and reassurance, this initial discussion will be free of charge, and you are at no obligation to move forward with your claim. But if you do decide to continue, we offer a No Win No Fee Solicitors package, leaving you safe in the knowledge that you won't incur any unnecessary legal fees.

Call Thompsons Solicitors on 0800 0891331 today, and take the first step towards achieving justice. 

Legal services for 5 1177
Based on 2020 reviews
Excellent
5/5
5 / 5

Hard work paid off

After having my case turned down by another company I turned to thompsons hoping that they would take on my case. They did and now after a long time we have had the result we wanted. I cannot thank Joel and the rest of the team that worked on my case enough, they are a credit to thompsons. They supported me continuously throughout and always gave me good information regarding how the case was going and next steps etc.

James allen
25 October 2024
5 / 5

Fantastic

Natalie has been amazing from start to finish. Very informative throughout the process, explaining things to ensure I always understood the process. Met with other employees who were professional and so friendly, making me feel at ease. I felt valued at all times. Would recommend 100%.

Amanda
17 October 2024
5 / 5

Very good advice and explanation of detail for my case

Excellent explanation of my case and very good advice

Jorge silva
4 October 2024
5 / 5

Guidance and Support

Robert Cranston and his team were very helpful and providing me with clarity and support throughout the whole process. I wasn't sure at first on the process and was anxious as never been in a position like that before. Robert eased fears and was extremely helpful from beginning to end. Thank you

Matthew Weir
20 August 2024
5 / 5

Great guidance and support

Robert and his team have provided really great support and guidance over what has been an almost 5 year process. Having never been in this situation before I wouldn’t have known what to expect or what was reasonable but I have had support each step of the way. Should I have to go through something like this again I would hope to be allocated the same team. Thank you!

Penny Thompson
8 August 2024
5 / 5

Excellent service

I found the whole team of Joel Very helpful and pleasant helpled through my claim explaining everything clearly as we went along Will definitely recommend them to anyone

John turner
25 July 2024
5 / 5

Professional service

Michael handled what was a very complex and long drawn out case with the utmost care and professionalism. He worked tirelessly to negotiate a sizeable settlement and ensured I was kept up-to-date throughout the process plus explained all the legal jargon clearly. Michael was always very polite and kind whenever we spoke and answered all questions and queries with such care. Michael truly is an asset to Thompsons and I would thoroughly recommend him to others.

Rebecca
26 June 2024
5 / 5

claim

Robert help get me get a settlement for my injury at work, he did this in a very professional way and managed to get me the best settlement for my case.

Anonymous
18 May 2024
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