Alcohol's association with construction accidents

An ordinary day for a construction industry worker will invariably involve the performance of some kind of dangerous task. This is reflected in the construction accident statistics, which show construction to be third most dangerous industry in the UK.

At this moment, there is currently a great deal of media and government concern regarding the drinking habits of the UK public. Those working in the construction industry are not exempt from this concern.

In fact, organisations like the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have expressed concern about the construction accident risk of "the next day effect".

"The next day effect" refers to a simple phenomenon, otherwise known as the hangover.

Heavy consumption of alcohol has been shown to have a negative causal effect on the cognitive abilities and manual response times of workers. This effect is not exclusive to the time of alcohol consumption, it also extends to the day following consumption.

Working from height, driving vehicles, using powerful machinery, using sharp tools and moving about the workface all present a much greater risk to someone who has had their senses blunted by a night of excessive drinking.

Although the link between alcohol, "the next day effect" and construction accident compensation claims is undocumented, it is safe to assume that it contributes to a significant minority of work accident claims from the construction industry.

There are concerns that workers in the construction industry are endemically grounded in the kind of lifestyle that makes heavy drinking a problem.

Construction workers frequently work a long distance from their homes, work long hours and often work early shifts.

Alex Boxall, work accident compensation spokesperson with no win, no fee experts YouClaim, comments, "Government drives to promote safer drinking in the wider public should have several beneficial side-effects to the UK job market and economy.

"Fitter, healthier workers not slowed down by alcohol will take less time off sick and be involved in fewer work accidents not just in the construction industry, but in all professions and industries right across the UK."

Making a no win, no fee construction accident claim
If you have been injured at work as the result of another person's negligence, you will be entitled to claim compensation.

YouClaim are the UK construction accident compensation experts. Over the years, our no win, no fee solicitors have helped hundreds of workers from the construction industry claim the work injury compensation they deserve.

Claiming with us is completely cost free. We guarantee to protect you from all legal costs, including any incurred by the opposing side.

We also guarantee not to take a cut of your damages award, meaning you get to keep 100% compensation.

To make your construction accident claim today, call 0800 10 757 95.

Alternatively, you can fill out an online claim form, request a call back or discuss your claim with a skilled legal advisor on e-chat.