By Stuart Snape, Managing Partner at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors

Despite the best efforts of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and employers around the UK, workplace accidents are still all too common. Every job and industry has its own specific risks, which means that certain accidents are more common in some industries than in others. Businesses and their employees share a responsibility to identify risks, implement effective health and safety policies, and prevent accidents; as such, it is useful to know which types of injuries are the most common in your sector.

Here, the experts at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors explain some of the injuries that workers in the engineering industry face most often, discuss the simple ways that employers can mitigate risk, and outline the consequences that can arise when workplaces are negligent in meeting their health and safety responsibilities, as outlined by HSE.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most common types of workplace injury in the engineering sector, and particularly, those injuries caused by repetitive motion or strain on the muscles and joints. Engineers who are required to lift heavy objects, work in awkward positions for extended periods of time, or use certain types of equipment may be at higher risk of sustaining these types of injuries. As such, employers should always ensure that any employees who will encounter these risk factors when fulfilling their duties are given adequate training on how to use this equipment, and afforded regular breaks or opportunities to vary the work they do.

Hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is another common workplace injury in the engineering sector in the UK. Engineers may be exposed to high levels of noise from heavy machinery, power tools, and other sources. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent damage to the hearing, leading to partial or complete deafness. Employers should provide personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection, wherever necessary to avoid this risk.

Respiratory illnesses

Engineers may be exposed to a variety of airborne hazards in the workplace, including dust, fumes, and chemicals. Over time, exposure to these substances can lead to respiratory irritation and breathing difficulties, or even illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. Like hearing loss, PPE can significantly reduce the risk of workers developing long-term respiratory problems during their work.

Burns

Burns are a common workplace injury in engineering, particularly for those working with hot machinery or electrical equipment. A combination of the correct PPE and effective training can minimise this risk, but additional policy measures may be needed to avoid accidents.

If there is a risk of chemical burns or respiratory illness as a result of exposure to hazardous substances, workplaces should also implement effective safety protocols and controls on these substances, to minimise the risk of injury.

Falls

Falls from height are far too common across engineering, and can cause some of the most serious injuries. Engineers are often required to work at height, and unless proper safety protocols are in place, this carries a serious risk of injury. Not only is there the possibility that someone working at height can fall, but that they can drop something, and thereby injure anyone walking underneath.

It is important for engineers to be properly trained and equipped with appropriate safety gear, such as harnesses and safety lines, when working at heights. In addition, designated walkways should be put in place to help pedestrians avoid walking underneath engineers, to minimise the risk of injury from falling objects.

What can be done to prevent accidents and injuries?

Employers have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of health and safety at all times. While some of these injuries are specific to particular jobs or workplaces, a responsible employer should carry out a thorough risk assessment and determine the likelihood of all types of injury at their workplace. From there, they must implement any necessary health and safety measures to mitigate the risk of accidents. Engineers should also take responsibility for their own safety by following proper safety procedures and reporting any hazards they encounter.

If your employer fails to take effective steps to prevent accidents and you are injured as a result, there are several important steps you should take. The first is to seek medical attention – even if you do not appear to be seriously hurt, there may be underlying conditions or symptoms that a doctor will be able to identify. This can prevent serious problems from developing in the future.

You should report the accident to your employer and ensure it is recorded in your organisation’s accident book. This creates a formal record of the incident and can help your workplace to implement preventative measures that will reduce the risk of a similar accident happening to someone else.

Finally, you should consider making a claim for compensation. If you are injured in an accident that was not your fault, you have a legal right to make a claim, and this can have a number of advantages. A compensation payout will not only account for any pain and suffering you experienced as a result of your injury – if you need to take time off from work during your recovery, compensation will cover your lost earnings and can also pay for any private medical treatment you need, transport to appointments with doctors or physiotherapists, and other costs. In this way, you can avoid any financial losses you would otherwise incur.

If you are unsure about whether or not you are able to claim, speak to an expert personal injury solicitor. In most cases, they will offer a free, no-obligation phone call during which you can discuss your specific circumstances, learn whether or not you have a case, and get the process started.