Investigations carried out by the Health and Safety Executive show that many construction site managers and employers do not effectively reduce the risk of slip and trip injuries posed to employees despite the fact that this type of work accident causes 32%of all specified injuries and 23%of all over-7-day injuries on UK constructions sites every year. *
* Source: RIDDOR 2017/18 to 2019/20
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
In terms of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 every contractor carrying out construction work on a site must, so far as is reasonably practicable, make sure every place of work is made and kept safe and does not pose risk to any person working there.
Moreover, so far as is reasonably practicable construction site managers and employers must provide workers with a suitable and safe means to and from every place of work and between places of work.
Every traffic route within a construction site must be properly maintained and regularly checked for hazards. Every place of work must be kept in a reasonable state of cleanliness.
The Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992
The Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992 also apply to construction sites and imposes obligations on employers to ensure the safety of workers and, specifically, to prevent slips and trips.
To prevent slip and trips on constructions sites the following should be considered by construction site managers and employers:
- a system to ensure walkways and stairs are free from hazards and obstructions
- flat, level and stable footpaths should be constructed where possible
- a system should be adopted to ensure waste materials are disposed of and workplaces are free from unnecessary materials
- ensure employees wear safety shoes/boots with suitable and sufficient grip
- ensure adequate lighting
The above is not an exhaustive list it is merely an example of what actions may be reasonably practicable under the circumstances for construction site managers and employers minimise the risk of a slipping or tripping accident.
Claim compensation for a slip or trip on a construction site
If you have sustained injury in a slip or trip accident on a construction site, you may be entitled to compensation for you pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost earnings. However, you only have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim so it is important to seek legal advice at the earliest possible opportunity.
Thompsons can help you begin your compensation claim now. Call us on 0800 0891331 for no win no fee help and advice. We are recognised as one of the leading firms in Scotland and every claim we take on is an opportunity for us to underline our status and reputation.
