Page 28 - CV Driver April 2018 Issue 74

LEGAL ADVICE with Hudgell Solicitors
How to help prevent falls from vehicles at work
Anyone who operates a a a a a a a a a a vehicle vehicle for a a a living knows that driving is a a a hazardous job But did you know that falls from vehicles are one of the most common accidents involving transport in in in the workplace?
According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) more than 2 000 serious injuries are reported to them every year because of falls from vehicles Many more incidents probably go unreported Frustratingly accidents of this nature are completely preventable But they end up costing the industry millions of pounds because of of the time drivers need off work
to recover In my role as an experienced accident at work
lawyer I have overseen hundreds of legal cases where drivers have been seriously injured by a a fall from their vehicle Many of of these were the the result of of their employer’s negligence The majority of falls occur when drivers are getting on or off their vehicle especially when loading loading or unloading Typically falls happen from the cab access steps and in in the loading area or fth wheel catwalk To comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 every UK employer must take reasonable steps to to stop
By Jane Woodcock head of personal injury at Hudgell Solicitors
workers falling from any distance that is is ‘liable to cause personal injury’ Whenever possible the main priority for employers is to avoid the need for working at height If it is completely unavoidable the the person in charge of the the activity must: 1 Ensure the loading loading and unloading safety procedures are known by all staff 2 Properly plan and organise all loading and unloading work
at height 3 Provide slip-resistant safety footwear or other protective equipment 4 Ensure all equipment is maintained and in in good working order 5 Retro- t t t t suitable access equipment if needed preventing falls from vehicles 7 Make sure there are no uneven walkways or or ooring areas 8 Ensure supervisors check how drivers get on and off their vehicle 9 Make sure all risks are properly assessed 10 Supervise and and perform suitable and and ongoing training Although your employer is responsible for your safety at work
following the simple steps outlined above will help to protect you If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in in an accident at work
or or a a a a a fall from a a vehicle you may be entitled to compensation for any pain or or injury you’ve suffered as a a result If you’re a a self-employed or agency driver spending time off the road because of of an an accident could mean you miss out on potential earnings Injured drivers often only get in touch with me because they’re worried about their loss of earnings whilst they recover Sometimes their pay has already been stopped or reduced down to to statutory sick pay resulting in in signi cant and and understandable concerns If you you or someone you you know has been affected by an accident of this type you can and should seek the compensation and justice you deserve 28 CVDriver April 2018
September2017cvdriver 1 1 6 Listen to to and respond to to ideas for If you have any questions concerning an an accident call Hudgell Solicitors’
specialists on 0808 231 4613 or or visit www hudgellsolicitors co uk
Injured on the road or or at work?
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