Common workplace injuries and accidents

Some jobs carry a higher risk of workplace injury than others. The level of risk depends on the type of work and the environment it is carried out in. Where risks are higher, accidents and injuries are more likely to happen.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), workers in agriculture, forestry, and fishing face some of the highest rates of workplace injury in the UK.

Construction has the second highest rate of serious workplace injuries per 100,000 workers. Manufacturing is also considered a higher-risk industry.

HSE data shows that the most serious workplace accidents include:

• Falls from a height – This killed 50 workers in 2023/24
• Being struck by a moving vehicle – This killed 25 people in the workplace
• Being struck by a moving object – This caused the deaths of 25 people
• Being trapped by a collapsing or overturning object – This was responsible for 14 deaths
• Coming into contact with moving machinery – This killed 8 employees

These incidents highlight the importance of workplace safety and proper risk management.

What to do after a workplace accident

If you are injured at work, your first step should always be to seek medical attention.

• Use a workplace first aider if available
• Visit your GP as soon as possible
• Go to A&E if your injury is serious or urgent

You should also report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. Most workplaces must record incidents in an accident book. This can be important evidence if you later make a claim.

Evidence can help support a workplace injury claim. Useful information includes:

• Photos or videos of the accident scene or injury
• A record of your symptoms and recovery
• Details of any financial losses, such as lost income or travel costs
• Witness statements from colleagues who saw the accident

Keeping clear records can help your solicitor assess your case more effectively.

How much can I claim for a work accident?

Every workplace accident is different. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injury and its impact on your life. Our compensation calculator could give you a rough idea of what you might be awarded for a specific injury.

You may be able to claim for:

• General damages – pain, suffering, and impact on daily life
• Special damages – financial losses such as lost earnings and medical costs

This may include treatment, rehabilitation, or adaptations to your home or work life.

You can also use our compensation calculator to get a rough estimate of what your claim could be worth.

It was partly my fault. Can I claim?

In some cases, you may still be able to make a claim if you were partly responsible.

This is known as contributory negligence. It means responsibility is shared between you and your employer.

For example, if you were 50% responsible, your compensation may be reduced by 50%.

If the accident was entirely your fault, you are unlikely to be able to claim compensation.

Most workplace injury claims must also be brought within three years of the date of the accident.

Should I make a workplace injury claim?

A workplace injury can have a serious impact on your income and daily life. You may need time off work, and in some cases, you may not be able to return to your job immediately.

A compensation claim can help support you financially during your recovery.

It can also help hold employers accountable where safety standards have not been met. This may help prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

No Win No Fee service

No Win No Fee – also known as a contingency or conditional fee agreement (CFA) – means you don’t need to worry about paying for upfront legal fees. Quite simply, if a solicitor takes on your case and you don’t win any compensation, you don't pay them their fees. No risk, no catch. If you don’t win, you don’t pay.

Where we offer No Win No Fee services typically customers pay 25% of the amount recovered to our solicitors, although this may be higher or lower subject to your individual circumstances.