Claim for Injuries Caused by an Emergency at Work

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

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

Employer Negligence During an Emergency At Work

If your employer failed to safely manage an emergency and you were hurt as a result, you may be able to claim for injuries caused by an emergency at work. When an emergency unfolds at work, you may find yourself facing danger, chaos and having to make split-second decisions.

Emergency-related workplace injuries may be more common than most people think, and they may have happened because employers did not prepare, train and protect staff properly. We explain exactly what constitutes an emergency at work and when you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.

What Counts as an Emergency Situation at Work?

An emergency situation is regarded as any sudden, unexpected event that creates immediate risk to health, safety, or life. In England and Wales, employers must follow the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require them to plan for emergencies, train staff, and maintain safe systems of work. When they fail to do this, workers can suffer avoidable injuries.

Here are some examples of common work emergencies:

• Fires and explosions: Faulty electrics, flammable materials, gas leaks, or poor maintenance can trigger fires or blasts. Workers may suffer burns, smoke inhalation, crush injuries, or trauma during evacuation.
• Chemical spills or hazardous substance leaks: Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause respiratory injuries, burns, poisoning, or long‑term health conditions.
• Machinery malfunctions: Sudden equipment failure can trap, crush, or strike workers, especially when emergency stop systems are missing or defective.
• Structural collapses: Falling ceilings, unstable scaffolding, or collapsing storage racks create immediate danger and can cause severe injuries.
• Medical emergencies involving colleagues or customers: Employers must train staff to respond safely. Poor procedures can lead to secondary injuries, such as lifting injuries or exposure to bodily fluids.
• Vehicle‑related emergencies: Forklift collisions, reversing accidents, or runaway vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries when emergency protocols are unclear or ignored.
• Flooding or severe weather events: Sudden water ingress, storms, or high winds can create slip hazards, electrical risks, and structural instability.

How Employer Negligence Causes Injuries During Emergencies

Emergency situations are unpredictable, but employer responsibilities are not. Employers must anticipate foreseeable risks, create emergency procedures, and train staff to follow them. According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers are required to have special procedures in place for any emergencies such as serious injuries, explosion, flood, poisoning, electrocution, release of radioactivity and chemical spills.

The HSE outlines that staff “are more likely to respond reliably if they are well trained and competent, take part in regular practice and have clearly agreed, recorded and rehearsed plans, actions and responsibilities”.

If an employer fails to do this, workers face unnecessary danger. Therefore, you may be able to claim compensation if your injury happened because your employer:

• Did not provide emergency training: Workers must know how to evacuate, use alarms, handle spills, or shut down machinery safely.
• Ignored known hazards: Faulty electrics, leaking pipes, unstable structures, or malfunctioning equipment should be repaired before they cause an emergency.
• Failed to maintain emergency equipment: Fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, spill kits, and first‑aid supplies must be available and functional.
• Did not create or communicate emergency procedures: Workers must know where to go, what to do, and who is responsible during an emergency.
• Allowed unsafe staffing levels: Emergencies become more dangerous when too few trained staff are present.
• Did not provide PPE: Gloves, masks, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing are essential in chemical, medical, or fire‑related emergencies.
• Failed to secure the workplace: Poor security can lead to violent incidents or unauthorised access.
• Did not maintain machinery or vehicles: Sudden mechanical failure can trigger emergency situations.

What Injuries Commonly Occur During Workplace Emergencies?

Emergency situations can cause a wide range of injuries, which may include:

• Burns, scalds, and smoke inhalation
• Crush injuries and fractures
• Soft‑tissue injuries from slips, trips, and falls
• Chemical burns or respiratory damage
• Head injuries or concussion
• Cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds
• Musculoskeletal injuries from lifting or assisting others

These injuries can have long‑term consequences, affecting your ability to work, earn, and live normally. However, compensation can help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally.

What To Do Next If You Were Injured During an Emergency at Work

If you suffered an injury during an emergency situation at work, take these steps as soon as possible. Taking early action strengthens your personal injury claim and helps your solicitor prove employer negligence.

1. Report the Incident Immediately

Make sure the emergency and your injury are recorded in the workplace accident book. If your employer refuses, email them a written report so that you have a timestamped record.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Visit A&E, your GP, or an urgent care centre. Medical records are essential evidence and help establish the link between the emergency and your injuries.

3. Gather Evidence

Collect anything that can support your claim, including:

• Photos or videos of the emergency scene
• Witness statements
• CCTV footage
• Faulty equipment or damaged structures
• Emergency procedure documents
• Training records
• PPE provided (or lack of it)

Your solicitor can request additional evidence from your employer.

4. Record Your Symptoms and Losses

Keep a diary of pain, treatment, and how the injury affects your daily life. Save receipts for medication, travel, and lost earnings.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Solicitor

We work with specialist solicitors who offer a free, no-obligation consultation when they will assess your case. They can help you to gather evidence, and start your claim under a No Win No Fee agreement. Most claims for workplace emergencies settle without going to court.

When Can You Claim Compensation?

You can claim compensation if:

• The emergency situation was caused by employer negligence, or
• Your employer failed to protect you properly during the emergency, and
• You suffered physical or psychological injury as a result.

You generally have three years from the date of the emergency to start your claim in England and Wales.

As each claim is unique, your solicitor will be able to calculate an estimate for your claim. Compensation typically covers:

• Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Lost earnings
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Travel expenses
• Future financial losses

How Can We Help?

Emergency situations at work are unpredictable, but your employer’s duty to protect you is not. If you suffered an injury because your employer failed to plan, train, or respond properly, you may be entitled to claim compensation in England and Wales.

Acting quickly, gathering evidence, and seeking legal advice will give you a good start, so if this has happened to your or a loved one, you can discuss your potential claim in confidence in a free consultation with our team on 0330 818 0351, or complete our online contact form.