As so many people spend so much time at work, there is a constant risk of injury. In fact, 28,267 major injuries to employees were reported in 2006/07, as well as 113,083 ‘less-serious’ injuries that ensured workers were absent for over 3 days. Added to the number of injuries and illnesses sustained outside the workplace, these figures highlight the huge amount of money lost by businesses every day due to staff absences.

A common workplace in the UK is an office. Office-based activity is described as including businesses obtaining and redistributing funds, insurance, computer consultancy, legal, accounting activities, estate agents, architects, advertising and industrial cleaning companies. In 2002, it was estimated that there were around 205,000 office-based premises enforced by Local Authorities. The number of people working in those offices reached around 4.36 million.

With more time spent in a place of employment than anywhere else, it is obvious that a large number of accidents will occur there, regardless of how safe a workplace is made. Offices, due to the fact that so many people work in them, are statistically the site of many hidden – and also some obvious – dangers. In fact, in 2001/2002, offices were responsible for employers reporting 851 major injuries and 2,526 over-3-day injuries.

A huge number of incidents could be easily avoided with the right precautions being taken. For example, slipping and tripping accounted for 10,458 major accidents to employees in 2002/2003, representing 37% of the overall total. Many of these could be avoided simply by being more careful – walking more slowly, looking out for hazards and obstacles, or avoiding carrying objects that block the carrier’s view.

As there are so many risks, many workplaces operate strict health and safety policies and spend a large amount on training and advice. Major points covered are: avoiding slips, trips and falls by assessing surroundings and taking care when moving; avoiding injury by lifting and moving objects properly; avoiding injury by correct use of electrical equipment; and even avoiding long-term eye damage and posture problems by operating a work-station properly.

Problems and accidents can often occur despite taking the necessary precautions, however, and there are essential steps that can be taken in the event of an incident.

If an accident is not the fault of the employee, advice sought from a professional, such as personal injury solicitors, could help an individual secure compensation to cover any lost earnings due to time they are absent from employment as a result of an accident.

However serious an injury, it is essential an individual is not the party who pays for an office accident any more than they already have physically.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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It is inevitable then, that so many people wish to undertake a little home improvement. As property is viewed more and more as an investment in recent years than ever before, the inclination to continue to improve is also stronger than it ever has been. In fact, the DIY and garden market was worth £16 billion in 2003, almost doubling in size since 1993 and meaning it is the fourth largest retail market in the UK after food, clothing and footwear, and electricals.

That market includes products for the construction, adaptation, decoration and fixing of bathrooms, furniture, windows and floor coverings, buildings, gardens, hardware and lighting. Each sector is catered for extensively by the three major retailers in the country – B&Q, Focus/Do-it-all/Wickes, and Homebase, who own over 1,000 stores between them and represent the vast majority of the UK industry.

However readily available the right tools for the job may be, there are seemingly still many ways to get that job wrong. It is estimated that DIY mistakes cost homeowners around £850m a year, simply to pay to have a professional do the job they should have been employed to do in the first place. Even more worryingly, around 70 people die each year from more dramatic mishaps caused by attempts at ‘doing it yourself’.

Personal injury is possibly the second most common problem encountered, after financial cost, but is arguably the most serious. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the most dangerous DIY tools are knives and scalpels (causing 21,300 accidents in the UK each year); saws (causing 15,100 accidents); grinders (6,400); hammers (5,800); chisels (3,900); screwdrivers (3,400); power drills (3,000); axes (2,200); planes (2,100) and welding equipment (2,000).

Even despite this, it was estimated in 2006 that men spent an average of 25 minutes per day on repairs. Fortunately, there are simple methods of making sure accidents are avoided, and RoSPA advise that DIYers should, firstly, spend more time on planning and, secondly, ensure that safety gear – such as gloves, masks and goggles – are worn whenever necessary.

For those who just can’t help themselves tackling that small niggling job, a good home insurance policy may well be the only protection against any accidental damage caused by misled attempts to ‘fix’ or ‘improve’. In general, it’s usually best to at least consult an expert prior to completing any work on a building, no matter how small. If possible, unless you know exactly what you’re doing, it is seemingly better to never do it yourself.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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According to figures published by the World Health Organisation in their Youth and Road Safety report, the problem of road safety is far worse in poorer countries. In 2002, for example, out of the 380,000 young people who died in traffic accidents, more than half of them were in Africa and Southeast Asia. The report also found that 1.2 million people of all ages are killed each year in road accidents.

In the United States, two out of five deaths among American teens come as a result of motor vehicle crashes, according to the U.S Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 5000 American teenagers aged 16-19 died of injuries sustained in road accidents in 2002, with that particular age group almost four times more likely of being involved in a traffic accident than older drivers.

In addition to death and injury, road traffic accidents in low income and middle income countries have a pronounced economic effect, with several countries spending between $65billion and $100billion annually. These costs include loss of income and the burden placed on families to care for their injured relative. A large factor in the high number of road accidents in these less developed countries is the poor quality of the roads themselves, with cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians also in considerable danger due to the roads not having ample space for all the vehicles that travel them.

Solutions to the problem of road accidents disproportionately affecting younger people have been voiced by the CDC. They suggest that young people should be taught about road safety at an early age as a priority, as well as initiatives such as graduated licensing programs, where teen driving is restricted to certain times of the day. It has also been recommended that parents establish driving rules with their teenage children, encouraging them to drive safely as well as warning them about the dangers of irresponsible driving.

Disclaimer: Matthew Pressman writes for a wide variety of commercial clients. This article is intended for information purposes only and readers should seek additional information before taking any actions based on its content.

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The first thought that generally comes to mind is that you are rather on the clumsy side and you should have been looking where you were going. But should we be so quick to put ourselves down, especially when it may not have been our fault in the first place?

It may be that your first reaction is always to blame yourself for such an occurrence – regardless of whether it happens in a public place, at work or anywhere else other than at home – but you should then take a moment to step back, assess the situation and think about what really happened.

This is what most of us don’t think to do. If we trip or lose our balance and fall over while we are out and about, our first instinct is to save face and get up and be on our way as soon as possible. This is quite understandable, especially given the fact that we are quite often surrounded by other people and we don’t want everyone else to see what has happened.

But if you do this you might end up going home with the wrong picture of what actually occurred. For example, let’s suppose you were strolling round your local shopping centre when you slipped and fell. If you got up immediately and headed for somewhere a little more private to check that you were okay, you might have missed out on spotting something important. It’s true that some people do simply slip over or have a fall for no particular reason at all, but supposing your slip was actually caused by a wet patch on the floor which should have been mopped up or a damaged section of flooring that needed repaired?

In this case the slip would not have been your fault, which is why it’s always worth taking your time before moving on after any mishap. By figuring out exactly what went wrong you will have a better idea of what to do next.

In the event that your accident wasn’t your fault you should consider consulting an injury solicitor to see whether you might have a case for claiming compensation. This is quite easy and straightforward to do, and you’ll soon know whether you have a case or not.

The best course of action is always to be careful wherever you go and whatever you may be doing, but as many people have already found out it’s not always that simple. After all, you can’t keep an eye on every inch of your surroundings at all times.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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Every driver should also have defensive driving on their mind when they get behind the wheel. However, just because you’re a careful driver, you never know when you’re, quite literally, going to run into a reckless one. While driving, being on the defensive at all times can help you avoid accidents and stay one step ahead of other road users due to you having more time to react. Additionally, being a courteous driver is a sure-fire way to lessen the chances of a traffic accident. While this may seem like a lesson in good conduct and manners, being courteous is not a virtue possessed by many drivers but is essential in keeping yourself and others safe on the roads.

Many drivers also ignore the repeated warnings of the dangers of drinking and driving – an ignorance that has caused thousands of deaths on roads across the country. Some people argue over the amount of alcohol you can drink before being classed as drunk. However, the safest way to avoid being caught drink-driving or causing harm to someone else is to simply not drink alcohol at all when you know you will be driving.

On a similar note, driving requires a great deal of concentration and, because of this, having a discussion on your mobile phone is incredibly irresponsible while you’re out on the road. Many countries have enacted laws prohibiting the use of phones while driving and penalising drivers who continue to do so, due to a large amount of drivers seemingly unwilling to pull over for a couple of minutes to take their call – not realising that those couple of minutes could potentially save lives.

One final point is to always keep an adequate distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. You may be in a rush and planning to overtake the driver in front, but always stay at a safe distance as you never know when a driver in front of you may lose control or suffer a breakdown. Changing radio stations or CDs while driving should also be avoided for this very reason; taking your eyes off the road even for a second can easily lead to a traffic accident.

Taking these tips on board and generally keeping your wits about you while driving is sure to help you decrease the chances of being involved in an accident and keep your fellow road users safe while driving.

Isla Campbell writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

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Some detractors view personal injury cases as frivolous, as a way for claimants to receive substantial sums of money based on exaggerated statements regarding the occurrence of the accident and the extent of any injuries sustained. This view stems from high-profile cases like that of Brian Piccolo, a London commuter who in 2003 slipped on a petal outside a flower shop at Marylebone Station, central London, whose case went to court last year, where he pursued a personal claim of £1.5 million.

However, most personal injury cases that are won by the claimant do not award them anywhere near this amount of money, often being just enough to cover loss of earnings and care costs with little in the way of egregious profit. Knowing whether or not you have a genuine grievance isn’t always straightforward as personal injury could occur in a number of scenarios, from trips to car accidents, and due to the complexity of the law, plaintiffs are advised to seek out legal advice from a specialist solicitor.

Thankfully, most solicitors specialising in personal injury cases provide a free initial consultation. To make the most of this meeting, make sure you bring any documents to support your case, including a written explanation of the chronology of the events that lead to the accident in clear, concise English to avoid any ambiguity surrounding the events. Also bring photographic images of the place of accident as well as of your injuries and, where possible, a list of the names and addresses of any witnesses to support your claim.

The funding of your case will depend on your location and financial situation. If you live in Scotland, legal aid is available for personal injury cases and further advice on this can be found on the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s website. In England and Wales, most solicitors will take personal injury cases on a no-win, no-fee basis, that is, the claimant pays nothing unless the case is won, but funding could come from other sources, such as a trade union, or a home or motor insurance policy.

Therefore, should you have sustained any kind of personal injury through no fault of your own that has left you with a loss of earnings and medical expenses, seeking out legal advice can help your financial worries and help ensure safety measures are made to prevent others from suffering the same misfortune.

Adam Singleton writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

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Work-related incidents often arise because of a breach of health and safety regulations, designed to make work, and the workplace, a safer place. For example, where a person has slipped due to a wet floor that was not properly signposted as such, or where they have fallen off a ladder that had a faulty rung.

Similarly, accidents that happen in public places, such as tripping over a loose paving slab or being involved in a road traffic accident (RTA) that was someone else’s fault, can leave a person with severe injuries. Both physical and psychological side-effects can result, and can cause a person to lose out both financially and emotionally.

Under English and Welsh law, the party accountable for the accident must compensate the wronged person for any loss. Usually, and if successful, financial compensation is paid out to the injured party once they have made an injury claim, often through a solicitor. It is therefore important to know your legal rights, and to ensure you follow the right steps to claiming any compensation owed to you.

Before making an injury claim in the UK, there are a number of considerations you must take into account. Firstly, it is very important to report the incident to the appropriate body. If, for example, you have been involved in and injured an RTA, it is a legal requirement that you must notify the police and your insurance company. However, if it was a work-related incident, then your employer should be informed so that a record of the accident can be logged. It might also be worthwhile visiting your doctor so they have a record of any resultant physical or psychological conditions, although this is not necessary to make a claim.

Additionally, and if possible, you should try and gather evidence at the scene of the incident – i.e. photographs, a written account of what happened, names and contact details of others involved – to aid you in your claim.

There are three types of compensation you can apply for: general damages, special damages and future losses. General damages can include payment for pain and suffering, whereas special damages are paid for the actual financial loss, such as medical expenses or damage to personal effects, as a result of the accident.

Nowadays, the most common way to make an injury claim is through Conditional Fee Agreements, commonly known as no-win no-fee deals: first seen in the UK in 1995. As the name implies, your legal representative will only receive payment if your claim is successful. These fees are paid by the other party. If your claim is not successful then your legal representative will not get paid at all. Therefore, if you have a claim, do not hesitate to ask for legal advice to seek out the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: Matthew Pressman writes for a wide variety of commercial clients. This article is intended for information purposes only and readers should seek additional information before taking any actions based on its content.

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Whiplash occurs when an abrupt movement to the body or head – i.e. stopping a car suddenly, or being crashed into by another vehicle – damages the ligaments, tendons and muscles in one’s neck. According to the severity of the incident, symptoms vary, but can include: loss of mobility in the neck; headaches; pins and needles and numbness in the hands; dizziness and blurred vision; and pain in the shoulders, arms or lower back.

If whiplash has resulted because of a car accident, and the accident was the fault of a third party, the key questions many ask is, ‘can I, or should I, claim compensation?’

Some believe that people are cashing in on what has been coined ‘compensation culture’. However, the Citizens Advice Bureau states that seeking legal compensation is both a civil and legal right, and in doing so, people are able to fully recover from an accident, as well as make up for any financial losses.

In the case of whiplash – a sometimes contested subject, due to the fact it can be hard to prove – many legal and medical experts believe that, yes, because one could potentially lose earnings, incur medical costs, or in the more severe cases, become physically disabled, a claim should be made.

Additionally, researchers into the effects of whiplash believe that a delay in symptoms appearing tends to be the norm rather than the exception and that 45 percent of victims can feel the repercussions of whiplash up to 12 weeks after the accident occurred. Furthermore as many as 10 percent of whiplash victims may suffer from severe physical disability.

Therefore, if one has suffered from whiplash as a result of a car accident that was not their fault, it may be pertinent to submit a claim. There are a few things that must be done first, however, to ensure the claim is both appropriate and successful.

Vitally, if an individual suffers whiplash as a consequence of an accident, it is advisable that they visit the hospital or their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. However, it is not a necessary action when it comes to making a claim, and injury claims can be made without having seen a doctor beforehand. While most car insurance policies provide cover for injuries sustained in a car accident, it is also a point of law injured parties notify their insurance company and police of any injury incurred.

Even if one isn’t covered by a car insurance policy, whiplash sufferers can still potentially seek compensation, and a consultation with a personal injury lawyer is a viable option to discover if a claim can be made.

If a claim can be made, a solicitor should fight for compensation to cover such things as loss of earnings if the person is unable to work, medical care and/or treatment, damage sustained to a vehicle and for any pain incurred.

Adam Singleton writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

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Accidents can occur in many places; at work, on the road or in a public space. An accident at work may have been the result of incorrect training or faulty equipment. Employers have a duty of care for employees and are responsible for activities carried out in the workplace.

Road traffic accidents are unfortunately fairly common with around a quarter of a million recorded each year in the UK. If you have been involved in a road traffic accident, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian you may be entitled to claim for your injuries.

If your accident occurred in a public place, for example if you tripped on an uneven paving stone, this qualifies as public negligence and compensation may be due. Medical negligence is another common reason for compensation. Unfortunately some people experience medical or clinical negligence and its important individuals receive the compensation they deserve as well as helping to work towards preventing future reoccurrences. Other circumstances for compensation include injuries or illness related to a holiday or travelling abroad or even injury/illness caused by a product you have purchased.

Making a claim for compensation is channeled through a personal injury lawyer but a few stipulations exist. Firstly, there is a limitation period for claims to be made within; in general you must file for compensation within three years of the accident date. If the claimant is under the age of 18, this three-year period starts when the claimant reaches the age of 18. There are other odd exceptions, for example in aviation the period is limited to 2 years.

Secondly, there are two elements to compensation awards made in personal injury claims. The first is called general damage and covers the pain and suffering you may have experienced along with any loss of amenity, for example not being able to take your children to school.

The second element is called special damages and aims to put you back in a financial position akin to if the accident had never occurred. This may include an amount for loss of earnings and costs of any required treatments, therefore it is vital to keep any related receipts so full amounts can be reclaimed.

The best place to start if you’re thinking of making a personal injury claim is by contacting a no win no fee solicitor and enlisting the help of a professional. If you have a case for compensation you can then begin the claim process and ascertain how much compensation you may be entitled to.

Isla Campbell writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

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Accidents can occur in many places; at work, on the road or in a public space. An accident at work may have been the result of incorrect training or faulty equipment. Employers have a duty of care for employees and are responsible for activities carried out in the workplace.

Road traffic accidents are unfortunately fairly common with around a quarter of a million recorded each year in the UK. If you have been involved in a road traffic accident, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian you may be entitled to claim for your injuries.

If your accident occurred in a public place, for example if you tripped on an uneven paving stone, this qualifies as public negligence and compensation may be due. Medical negligence is another common reason for compensation. Unfortunately some people experience medical or clinical negligence and its important individuals receive the compensation they deserve as well as helping to work towards preventing future reoccurrences. Other circumstances for compensation include injuries or illness related to a holiday or travelling abroad or even injury/illness caused by a product you have purchased.

Making a claim for compensation is channeled through a personal injury lawyer but a few stipulations exist. Firstly, there is a limitation period for claims to be made within; in general you must file for compensation within three years of the accident date. If the claimant is under the age of 18, this three-year period starts when the claimant reaches the age of 18. There are other odd exceptions, for example in aviation the period is limited to 2 years.

Secondly, there are two elements to compensation awards made in personal injury claims. The first is called general damage and covers the pain and suffering you may have experienced along with any loss of amenity, for example not being able to take your children to school.

The second element is called special damages and aims to put you back in a financial position akin to if the accident had never occurred. This may include an amount for loss of earnings and costs of any required treatments, therefore it is vital to keep any related receipts so full amounts can be reclaimed.

The best place to start if you’re thinking of making a personal injury claim is by contacting a no win no fee solicitor and enlisting the help of a professional. If you have a case for compensation you can then begin the claim process and ascertain how much compensation you may be entitled to.

Isla Campbell writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

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