The rate of work-related accidents in the UK has decreased considerably in the past decades, but they are still prominent in industries like construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Non-fatal injuries usually happen due to slipping, handling, or being struck by a moving object, so the main cause is human error. The source can be either worker negligence or employer breach of duty. 

Regardless of the cause, employees can make a compensation claim for work-related injuries, but most choose not to, even in the case of a grave event. Considering that we have only seen some progress on worker rights now, we can understand the lack of communication and trust between employees and companies, so it’s no wonder workers are sceptical about taking legal action. 

However, the effect of this occurrence leads only to sweeping the problem under the rug, as employers won’t have a reason to change. Mitigating for their rights is vital for improving the system, so why are people afraid to speak up for themselves? 

Reservations about the costs 

Due to unexpected costs, most people can’t afford to pursue a legal case against a company. Additional expenses might occur if any special cases could lengthen the case’s period. However, most advisors offer free advice on the matter and can ensure an agreement for a No Win No Fee personal injury claim in which the person doesn’t have to provide any upfront payments. 

Moreover, if the case is unsuccessful, the customer won’t provide any fees for the service. Therefore, people can gather the courage to get in touch with an advisor and explain the situation. This will help offer insight into the legal matter so the worker has a say regarding the following steps. 

Underestimation of the injury 

Sometimes, it’s easy to underestimate an accident’s outcomes, especially if there are no visible signs of it. Unfortunately, many accidents affect the body more than we can see. Whiplash, nerve damage, or sprains are only some of the cases in which employees overlook the severity of the situation. 

For example, the second most common non-fatal injuries in the UK at work are related to handling, lifting, or carrying. Lifting heavy objects can lead to musculoskeletal disorders in the long term, while repetitive movements without breaks can strain the joints. On the other hand, poor posture, slips, trips, and falls are also included, so employees must always consider the hazards to their health. 

Extended paperwork 

Going to court with a work-related accident case can be overwhelming for many, especially considering the amount of paperwork needed. Employees must provide proof that the accident was the cause of the employer’s negligence, which may include CCTV material, medical evidence, and any witnesses’ declarations, if any.

Gathering these documents can take time. Moreover, if people witness the situation, some might choose not to be involved out of fear of losing their jobs. So, the process can be rather challenging. Still, with the help of the right advisors, it might be easier to access the paperwork needed. 

Fear of getting fired 

Although it’s illegal for employers to fire workers who claimed compensation following an accident, some still fear this to happen. On the other hand, even if the company leadership management does not do that, sometimes workers can feel hostility towards them and even pressure to leave the job on their own. 

Workers must know there is no excuse for breaching the duty of care and not ensuring their employees’ safety. Whether they’ve continuously ignored workplace hazards or failed to provide proper training, employees are not guilty of being the victims of their negligence. In addition, employers could continue their business in the same manner, leading to more people at risk of injury. 

Preventable stress 

Many compensation claim cases can be quite stressful, especially if the company turns out to have enough time and legal experts to win in court. There are also instances in which the worker moves to another job and has to maintain it while on the case, adding to the stress of daily life. 

According to Statista, about 875,000 workers claimed to be stressed at work or due to it. The high workload, accompanied by personal struggles, affects employees to the point they’re burnt out and will need short-term absences to recover. Therefore, such a case would add to the stress, so its absence might help one more at ease despite the unfortunate situation. 

Refusal of compensation culture contribution 

Employers commonly concern themselves with compensation culture. Throughout history, several cases have occurred in which the claims weren’t exactly true, and the employees would rather seek compensation fraudulently. 

While some say the compensation culture never existed, others insist they can never truly know a worker’s intentions of getting revenge on a company due to undisputed conflicts. Therefore, the problem here is the lack of trust between companies and their employees. That’s why some workers do not want to add to these misconceptions and quit their jobs. 

However, it’s an ever-bigger concern if the accident was truly caused by employer negligence and hasn’t been reported. Long-term avoidance of the problem would only pile up such events and unreported aspects of a business, contributing to a rather unhealthy work environment. Employees know they can be quickly replaced by others who seek a job at the moment, so they don’t keep on with such a case. 

Have you ever been the victim of a work-related accident? 

Accidents at work are more common than we know since most employees ignore the event and go on with their tasks. While some accidents are the cause of their negligence, in many other instances, employers breach their duty of care, exposing workers to dangerous accidents. In that case, workers are entitled to claim compensation but choose not to. Whether it’s due to fear of getting fired or handling considerable expenses, these fears fuel up unhealthy company cultures and push workers to consider them acceptable.