Yorks Leading Personal Injury Lawyers

Building sites are amongst the most dangerous working environments in the UK.

If you have had an accident on a building site within the last three years you may be able to make a claim, to compensate you for your injuries and loss of earnings.

Our friendly experts are here to help you through the claims process.

For a free consultation call Corries Solicitors at 01904 527430 or contact us online

What type of construction accident can I make a claim for?

We may be able to help you to make a claim for the following types of accidents:

• Falls from height
• Scaffolding accidents
• Forklift truck accidents
• Slips, trips and falls
• Faulty equipment – i.e. faulty scaffolding, ladders, safety harnesses or machinery.
• Exposure to dangerous chemicals or substances
• Vehicle collisions.
• Burns, scars and lacerations.

What health and safety regulations should be in place?

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) has ruled that the construction industry must adhere to various regulations. Whilst working on a construction site your employer has the legal duty to protect you.

You must be supplied with :

• A hard hat
• Hearing protection
• Footwear – such as steel-capped boots
• High visibility clothing

The following regulations should be followed :

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: This sets out a wide range of duties that employers must meet to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, clients, contractors and visitors to the premises of the business.
• Work at Height regulations 2005: This is in place to help prevent injuries and deaths caused by falls from height. Employers have the responsibility to make sure that work from height is carried out by trained professionals, and is planned and supervised at all times.
• Provision and Use of Work Regulations (PUWER) 1998: This relates to equipment used in the workplace. The regulations state that equipment must be suitable for the intended use, maintained to a good standard and should only be used by people who have been trained to use it properly.
• Lifting Operating and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998: This places the onus of responsibility on employers who operate lifting equipment. The regulations state that lifting operations should be properly planned, and supervised and that equipment must be fit for purpose.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002: This advises employers on ways to help minimise the impact of chemicals, vapours, fumes and gases on the health and safety of their employees.
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: This focuses on coordinating and planning work in order to reduce potential risks.

Who is eligible to make a construction accident claim?

You can make a claim for an accident on a building site if you are an employee, a contractor or a member of the public or other visitor.

Self-employed contractors can still be considered employees, and therefore are covered by the same health and safety regulations as other staff members.

Agency workers who have been injured at work are eligible to make a claim.

How do I prove that my employer was responsible?

Evidence that can be used to help prove this can include:

• Witness reports from the scene of the accident.
• The report is in the accident book.
• Photos from the scene of the accident.
• Photos of Injuries
• Reports from health and safety experts.

How much will my construction injury claim be worth?

Claims are however calculated based on a number of different factors including:

• The seriousness of the injuries.
• The loss of earnings.
• The ability to work in the same job in the future.

Is there a time limit to making a claim?

You need to make your claim within three years from the date of the building site accident.

How can I make a building site accident claim?

Corries Solicitors handle building site accidents on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning that you do not pay anything if your claim is unsuccessful. Our friendly experts are here to help you through the claims process. For a free consultation call Corries Solicitors at 01904 527430 or contact us online