Posted: February 1st, 2015
According to a press release from the Injuries Board, slips, trips and falls are still the leading causes of workplace injury claims in Ireland.
Slips, trips and falls accounted for 30.8% of workplace injury claims in 2013 according to the Injuries Board, who produced the figures to compliment the news that the volume of claims for workplace injury compensation had increased by 5% from 2012 and that the accepted assessments of those claims rose by almost 10% to £24 million.
Compensation settlements for falls from a height featured in three of the top ten awards of workplace injury compensation, although the vast majority of awards were under €38,000. The highest award was made to an employee who suffered life-changing injuries when they became trapped in a machine. The plaintiff was awarded €432,000.
Other leading causes of workplace injury claims were:
- Struck by an object/falling object – 13.4%
- Unsafe system of work – 7.9%
- Lifting/manual handling accidents – 7.7%
- Cuts and lacerations from sharp objects 4.1%
Commenting on the year-on-year increase in workplace injury claims, Patricia Byron – CEO of the Injuries Board – said: “From a peak rate of unemployment in 2012, increasing numbers of workers are re-joining the workforce. Perhaps reflective of this, our data shows a year on year increase in the number of awards made as a result of accidents in the workplace. As the economy starts to grow again, and as businesses around the country begin to expand, it is important that a renewed focus on health and safety is cultivated.”
Ms. Byron continued “The onus is on us all – business owners, sole traders, and employees to promote and adhere to the highest levels of health and safety compliance.. Those driving for a living, or workers commuting long distances, should heed the advice of agencies such as the Road Safety Authority. As the economy grows, the health and well-being of workers needs to be at the fore to mitigate the social and economic cost of accidents in the workplace.”
Categories: Factory Worker Injury Solicitor, Industrial Worker Injury Solicitor, Shop Assistant Injury Solicitor, Supermarket Worker Injury Solicitor, Warehouse Worker Injury Solicitor
