Employers have a duty of care to their workers and need to ensure workplace safety. Whilst not all accidents are avoidable at work, employers need to take every reasonable measure to ensure any potential accidents are avoided. These precautions may include the following;-
- Workplace inductions for new staff
- Safety precautions and procedures including work wear
- Expected responsible work place conduct and behaviour
Examples of such cases include safety harnesses, hardhats and other safety clothing that must be worn in certain areas during certain tasks.
Work accidents happen
Work accidents do happen. When they occur the issue that is raised is one of ‘negligence’. Did an employer neglect their duty of care? It is a complex subject and one that a lawyer explores in further detail. An accident has many circumstances that need to be considered and taken into account. Everything needs to be reviewed and the right questions need to be asked. To get the right advice regarding your work accident call 1800 006 766
Negligence is far from black and white for every case is different. It may seem there wasn’t any negligence but when an accident is ‘preventable’ there may well be some negligence present. Employers have duties that may not be obvious and it is the job of a good lawyer to determine whether or not there has been negligence and who is deemed negligent.
Discussing negligence with your employer
Discussing negligence with an employer is generally not recommended. Speaking to an independent party such as a work compensation injury helpline or a reputable lawyer is recommended. What you need is an independent and unbiased review of your situation and the circumstances surrounding your accident. Getting to the bottom of the cause of an accident will determine where the negligence lies and who may be to blame or at least partially to blame.
Even if you think a work accident is your fault, never take the blame until you have discussed the accident with an independent party. There may be other factors that contributing to gthe accident occurring that had nothing to do with you.
Always seek advice
When you have had an accident always seek the advice of an injury helpline. They will put your mind at ease in terms of what you need to know and what you need to do. You will also find out where you stand legally and what work compensation you may be entitled to under the law in your State or Territory. Get the right advice today call 1800 006 766.