How To Make A Claim For A Roll Cage Accident

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Real Life Examples of Roll Cage Accidents in the Workplace

Roll cages are designed to make moving goods easier, but they can cause serious accidents, so if this has happened to you, here’s how to make a claim for a roll cage accident at work. Roll cages are a familiar sight in warehouses, supermarkets and distribution centres and stock rooms. However, if they’re poorly maintained, overloaded or mishandled, accidents can and do occur.

So if you’ve been hurt in a roll cage accident at work in England or Wales which may have been caused by employer negligence, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. Importantly, doing so shouldn’t put your job at risk.

What Typically Causes a Roll Cage Accident?

Roll cage accidents don’t tend to happen just “out of the blue”. They usually arise from predictable, preventable issues. Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to assess risks and provide safe equipment. However, if they fail in this duty, workers may be injured.

Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Overloaded or Unbalanced Cages

A roll cage becomes unstable when it’s stacked too high or loaded unevenly. Once the centre of gravity shifts, even a small push can send it toppling.

Many workers say they feel pressured to “get stock out quickly”, which leads to shortcuts like piling cages higher than eye level. This kind of pressure itself can be a red flag signalling employer negligence.

2. Faulty or Poorly Maintained Wheels

A single seized or broken wheel can make a cage veer sideways or suddenly stop. This is one of the most frequent causes of crush injuries.

3. Slippery or Cluttered Floors

Roll cages need smooth, clear surfaces. Therefore, spills, pieces of cardboard, shrink wrap or uneven flooring can cause a cage to skid or tip.

4. Lack of Training

Some employers may assume roll cages are “common sense”. But in reality, safe handling requires proper technique. This becomes particularly important when navigating slopes, lifts or tight corners.

5. Pushing Cages on Ramps

Roll cages can gain momentum quickly on slopes. Without training or proper control measures, workers can be knocked down or pinned.

Real‑Life Examples of Roll Cage Accidents

Here are some real life examples of incidents which commonly lead to successful claims:

A supermarket worker crushed against a wall

A staff member was moving an overloaded cage down a narrow stockroom corridor. A faulty wheel jammed, causing the cage to swing sideways and pin her against the wall. She suffered rib fractures and long‑term soft tissue damage. The investigation found the cage had been flagged as “wobbly” for weeks but was never actually repaired.

Warehouse picker injured by a runaway cage

A picker was guiding a roll cage down a slight incline when the brakes failed. The cage rolled forward uncontrollably and struck another worker. The employer had no system for checking brake mechanisms, even though the staff used cages on sloped surfaces on a daily basis.

Retail assistant struck by falling stock

A cage stacked above head height toppled when the assistant tried to move it over a small lip between rooms. The top crates fell directly onto her shoulder and neck. The employer later admitted staff were under pressure to clear a delivery quickly and had ignored safe stacking guidelines.

These examples show a pattern: the accidents weren’t caused by “clumsiness” but by unsafe systems of work. The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has strict guidelines on what employers are expected to do to keep employees safe around roll cages.

Can You Make a Claim for a Roll Cage Accident?

You can usually make a claim if:

• You were injured in the last three years
• The accident happened at work
• The incident was partly or wholly caused by employer negligence

Here are some examples of negligence:

• Providing faulty or damaged roll cages
• Failing to maintain equipment
• Not giving proper manual handling training
• Allowing unsafe workloads or time pressures
• Failing to keep floors clean and hazard‑free

Practical Steps to Making a Roll Cage Accident Claim

1. Report the Accident Immediately

Make sure the incident is recorded in the accident book – employers are required to have one. If your employer refuses, email them a written account so there’s a timestamped record.

2. Gather Evidence

Useful evidence includes:

• Photos of the roll cage, the area, and any hazards
• Witness names and statements
• CCTV footage (request it quickly as employers often overwrite it within 30 days)
• Medical records from A&E or your GP
• Notes about pain levels, time off work and how the injury affects daily life

In our experience, workers often forget to photograph the wheels. It’s important to remember, a close‑up of a damaged or seized wheel can be one of the strongest pieces of evidence in a claim.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injury seems minor, get checked as it may get worse later on. Medical records form the backbone of your claim.

4. Speak to a Personal Injury Solicitor

An experienced solicitor will assess your case, gather evidence, arrange medical assessments and negotiate compensation. We partner with solicitors who offer No Win, No Fee agreements, meaning you don’t pay upfront.

Our Top Tip: Keep a Recovery Diary

A symptom diary helps quantify pain, mobility issues, sleep disruption and emotional impact and all of these factors can influence your compensation.

What Compensation Can Cover

Compensation for a roll cage accident claim may typically include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings
• Future loss of earnings if you can’t return to your usual role
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Travel expenses
• Care and assistance (even from family members)

Compensation isn’t just about the injury, it’s also about the long‑term impact on your life.

Can You Get in Trouble at Work for Making a Claim?

This is one of the biggest worries workers have, and it stops many from seeking help. So, it’s essential to know that you cannot legally be punished for making a personal injury claim.

Therefore your employer cannot:

• Sack you
• Reduce your hours
• Demote you
• Discipline you
• Treat you unfairly

Doing so would amount to victimisation, which is unlawful and you could claim unfair dismissal.

Why employers rarely object

Employers don’t personally pay your compensation. Claims are handled by their employer’s liability insurance, which they are legally required to have. In most cases, the employer has minimal involvement beyond providing documents.

We have found that many workers report that their employer becomes more safety‑conscious after a claim because insurers often require improved procedures. Therefore, it’s worth knowing that your claim may actually prevent future injuries.

How Long Do You Have to Claim?

You generally have three years from the date of the accident. However, if you only realised later that your injury was a serious, the clock may start from the ‘date of knowledge.

We have found that when filing a personal injury claim, it’s best to start early while evidence is fresh.

Your Next Step

Roll cage accidents could often have been prevented. If you’ve been injured, you’re not “making a fuss”.  A claim can help you recover financially, access treatment and highlight safety issues that protect others.

Our friendly team can guide you through the claims process.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation.