Claim if Injured on an Obstructed or Unsafe Walkway at Work

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.

How Unsafe Walkways Lead to Valid Work Injury Claims for Compensation

Employers have a strict legal duty to keep all workplace walkways safe, clear and properly maintained, so if they fail to do this, you can make a personal injury claim if injured on an obstructed or unsafe walkway at work. So whether an accident is caused by poor housekeeping, hazards or a lack of maintenance, you may be entitled to compensation for pain, lost earnings and rehabilitation.

A recent report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) detailed how a construction company has been fined after a worker fell into an exposed excavation hole and died while making his way home after a night out. The worker had been living in a property adjoining the site. The HSE found that there were no designated safe walkways and no dedicated lighting.

Legally, employers must keep floors, paths, corridors, and access routes safe. If poor housekeeping, hazards, or lack of maintenance caused your accident, you may be entitled to damages for pain, lost earnings, and rehabilitation. So if someone gets hurt due to employer negligence, the law in England and Wales allows for any injured worker to file a claim for compensation if injured on site.

Our blog looks at how and when you can make a claim if injured at work through no fault of your own. Contact our team to find out if you can claim compensation.

Why Unsafe Walkways Lead to Valid Work Injury Claims

Employers are required to keep floors, paths, corridors, and access routes safe under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Walkways are one of the most common locations for workplace accidents.

This is because they’re used constantly, often while carrying equipment or moving quickly, so any hazard becomes a serious risk. Therefore, the law requires employers to:

• Keep walkways clear of obstructions
• Ensure floors and paths are even, stable, and well‑maintained
• Provide adequate lighting
• Prevent slips, trips, and falls through proper housekeeping
• Carry out risk assessments and act on them

If your employer fails in any of these duties and you’re injured as a result, you can usually bring a claim.

Common Causes of Walkway Accidents at Work

• Obstructions: boxes, tools, cables, pallets, or waste left in walkways
• Slippery surfaces: spills, leaks, rainwater, or cleaning residue
• Uneven flooring: loose tiles, damaged concrete, worn carpets
• Poor lighting: making hazards difficult to see
• Temporary hazards: trailing wires, open drawers, or misplaced equipment
• Outdoor walkway risks: ice, moss, potholes, or broken paving

Each of these hazards is preventable with proper maintenance and housekeeping. If they’re not addressed, employers may be liable.

Some Real-World Examples (Anonymised)

Example 1: Warehouse Worker Trips Over Pallet Debris

A warehouse operative (let’s call him Mark) tripped over a broken pallet left in a narrow walkway. The pallet had been reported several times but never removed. Mark suffered a fractured wrist and required six weeks off work. The employer admitted liability because the walkway should have been kept clear and the hazard had been ignored.

Example 2: Office Worker Slips on Wet Corridor Floor

An office employee (Sarah) slipped on a wet corridor floor after a cleaner mopped the area but failed to put up warning signs. She tore ligaments in her ankle. The claim succeeded because employers must ensure cleaning is carried out safely and that warning signs are used.

Example 3: Engineer Falls on Poorly Lit External Path

An engineer (Tom) fell on an uneven outdoor path leading to a plant room. The lighting had been faulty for months. He suffered a back injury. The employer denied responsibility at first, but maintenance records showed they knew about the lighting issue and failed to fix it. The claim settled in Tom’s favour.

These examples show how varied walkway accidents can be and how often they stem from preventable risks which should have been addressed by the employer.

When You Can Make a Claim

You can usually claim if:

• The walkway was unsafe, obstructed, or poorly maintained
• Your employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the hazard
• You suffered an injury as a direct result
• The accident happened within the last three years

When You Cannot Make a Claim

You may struggle to claim if:

• The walkway was safe and the accident was purely unavoidable
• You were acting recklessly or ignoring clear safety instructions
• The accident happened more than three years ago (unless you were under 18 or lacked mental capacity)

However, many people wrongly assume they can’t claim. If in doubt, it’s always worth seeking legal advice and we partner with experienced work injury lawyers who offer a free consultation to assess whether you have a valid claim.

What You Should Do After a Walkway Accident at Work

Here are the following steps to take, if possible:

• Report the accident immediately and ensure it’s recorded in the accident book
• Photograph the hazard before it’s removed or repaired
• Get witness details from colleagues who may have seen what happened. In addition, CCTV footage can provide strong evidence.
• Seek medical attention so your injuries are documented as medical records are crucial to any personal injury claim.
• Keep records of expenses, lost earnings, and symptoms

These steps help establish who was at fault for the accident and prove the impact of your injury.

What Does Compensation Cover?

A successful personal injury claim for an injury at work generally covers:

• General damages: pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Special damages: lost earnings, medical costs, travel expenses
• Future losses: ongoing treatment, reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation support: physiotherapy, counselling, or specialist care

The amount varies depending on the severity of your injury and its long‑term effects.

Who Pays the Compensation After an Accident at Work?

Compensation is paid by your employer’s liability insurance, not by the employer personally. UK law requires all employers to hold valid insurance, so claiming does not put your job at risk or financially harm your employer. Compensation is in place to help you put your life back to where it was, as far as possible, prior to the accident.

Key Highlights: Claim Compensation if Injured on an Obstructed Work Walkway

You can claim compensation if you’re injured on an obstructed or unsafe walkway at work in England and Wales because of employer negligence. Employers must keep all walkways safe under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Workplace Regulations 1992. If hazards such as spills, obstructions, uneven flooring, or poor lighting caused your accident, you may be entitled to damages. Evidence such as photos, witness statements, and accident book entries strengthens your case. Claims typically cover pain, lost earnings, and rehabilitation.

FAQs: Claim if Injured on an Obstructed or Unsafe Walkway at Work

Can I claim if I didn’t see the hazard?

Yes. Walkway hazards should be visible, well‑lit, and removed promptly. If they weren’t, you may still claim.

What if the hazard was temporary?

You can still claim if the employer failed to manage temporary risks properly, for example, not using wet‑floor signs.

Can I claim if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover damages.

Do I need CCTV footage?

No, but it helps as it provides real-time evidence of the accident. Photos, witness statements, and accident book entries are often enough.

Will claiming affect my job?

It shouldn’t. While this is often a key concern for an employee, claims are made against the company’s insurance, and it’s unlawful for employers to dismiss you for making a legitimate claim.

How We Can Help

We work with a partner panel of solicitors who are highly experienced in work injury claims. They offer a free, initial consultation with no obligation, as well as No Win, No Fee agreements which means no upfront costs for you to worry about.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our friendly team on 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form.