Preventing Office Accidents

Employers and employees need to work together to prevent office accidents. If employers fail in their duty of care, they can put their workers in danger, and can rightly face office accident claims.

Complying with health and safety regulations is vital for employers, as offices are subject to health and safety legislation in the same way as other workplaces such as factories and construction sites.

How to prevent office accidents

Employers have a responsibility to look after their employees, and there are some simple safety measures all employers who operate in an office environment should take, to help reduce the risk of office accidents occurring.

Proper training is key. Employers should educate all employees and visitors on any specific risks in or around the office - see our page on types of office accidents, for examples of how to safeguard against different hazards. Manual handling training is one easy way to help prevent back injuries sustained through lifting.

Slips, trips and falls are the most common type of office accidents. A risk assessment is a good place to start, and can highlight potential trip hazards and danger areas.  Any liquid spillages or food or drink must be cleared up as quickly as possible, and signposted while the area is drying. Special attention should be paid to car parks or courtyard areas in winter, when ice or snow can make the ground slippery.

Electrical safety should be taken seriously, as faulty electrical equipment can cause serious injury. Computers, monitors, photocopiers and all other electrical equipment should be regularly tested. Make sure liquids are kept a safe distance from electrical equipment, and that storage areas (particularly if this is where computer servers are located) are kept dry and clean.  

Workstation assessments can help prevent injuries caused by a poorly laid out workstation, and employers should make basic equipment like wrist and back rests available to employees to help prevent RSI (repetitive strain injury).

Health and safety policies should be clearly explained to employees, and displayed in a public area like the canteen.

When an employer doesn't take the appropriate steps to reduce the risk of office accidents, employees are unnecessarily put in danger.

Remember, compensation claims relating to office accidents can be made on a no win no fee basis, meaning you don't have to worry about expensive legal fees. What's more, we guarantee that you receive 100% of your compensation, so win or lose, our service won't cost you a penny.