SMEs and the need to avoid accident at work compensation claims

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work exists to help prevent an accident at work occurring across the Union. Its figures show that "small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) employ more than 65% of the EU's workforce and account for over 99% of the EU's 18 million enterprises, outside the agricultural sector."

This means that we would expect there to be more work accidents, and more work accident compensation claims, from activity in SMEs than in large businesses. Added to the simple maths, though, is the claim that SMEs are less likely than large organisations to be aware of the various occupational safety and health (OSH) practices that can help avoid trips, falls and worse.

For this reason, the Agency offers specific advice to SMEs on good practice in this field, including reassuring notes about the need to make a risk assessment in every business. They demystify the process with these instructions:

• Identify the hazards what are the dangers involved?
• Find out who may be harmed, and how including workers, people sharing the workplace, and members of the public who may be affected by your business.
• Evaluate the risk what is the chance of someone being harmed?
• Identify the measures needed to remove (or if this is not possible, reduce) the risk.
  Make a list of the actions needed in order of priority.
• Take action, consulting those affected.
• Monitor the situation are the solutions working?
• Review your assessment periodically, or when there is a change in the work activities.

Further guidance is available from the Agency's website.

What to do following an accident at work
Whether it occurs in a large, small or medium-sized enterprise, a work accident may make you eligible for personal injury compensation. If you call YouClaim, we will be able to discuss the specifics of your case and help you decide whether you should make a claim.

Should you proceed - and you will not be forced into doing so - YouClaim's team will be able to provide you with an accomplished personal injury lawyer to handle all the complexities of your case, and keep you informed of progress in plain, clear English.

You will have nothing to pay; our team, all governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, work on a no win, no fee basis in all work accident cases. When we win, as we do in most cases, we charge all fees to the opposing side, and guarantee that 100% compensation passes to the claimant, you.

Contact us today, through e-chat, our claim form, or our free phone number - 0800 10 757 95. Our accident at work team could help you get your claim under way sooner than you think.