Common Work Injuries For Plumbers

When to File a Personal Injury Claim

Plumbing is an essential profession, but small spaces, manual work and hazardous materials can lead to common work injuries for plumbers. While they keep our homes and businesses functional, plumbing is recognised as a physically demanding and often hazardous profession.

Most employers take reasonable steps to protect their workers, and they are legally obliged to do so. However, working with power tools, often in confined areas, they may often encounter situations which can result in accidents and injuries.

So, if you’ve suffered an injury while working as a plumber, you may want to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. But to file a claim, you must be able to show that your injury was directly caused by your employer’s (or another party’s) negligence.

Jefferies Claims works with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and can advise on whether you have a potential claim.

Common Injuries in the Plumbing Industry

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Plumbers often work in awkward positions, lifting heavy tools and equipment or performing repetitive motions. This may cause:

• Back injuries from lifting or bending.
• Shoulder and neck strain from overhead work.
• Knee injuries from kneeling for extended periods.
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

These injuries can develop over a prolonged period of time, making it difficult to identify a specific incident. However, employers are still responsible for minimising these risks through proper training and equipment.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slippery surfaces, wet floors, and cluttered workspaces are a common sight on plumbing job sites. As a result, plumbers are particularly susceptible to:

• Falling down stairs or ladders.
• Slipping on wet bathroom tiles or in kitchens.
• Tripping over tools or pipes.

Even minor falls can cause sprains, fractures, or head injuries, which may require you to take time off work for a recovery period.

Cuts and Lacerations

Handling sharp tools, sheet metal, and broken pipes can easily result in cuts. These injuries might seem minor, but these can become serious if:

• Nerves or tendons are damaged.
• The wound becomes infected.
• Blood loss is substantial.

Employers should ensure that plumbers have access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and first-aid kits.

Electrical Injuries

Although plumbers primarily work with water systems, they may often be exposed to electrical systems too. This would particularly occur during kitchens, bathrooms, and boiler installations. Without proper co-ordination or safety measures, this can result in:

• Electric shocks.
• Burns.
• Even fatal electrocution.

Employers must enforce strict protocols when plumbing work is carried out near live electrical sources which creates a high risk environment.

Burns and Scalds

Plumbers work with hot water systems, steam, soldering equipment, and sometimes even chemical sealants. This can result in:

• Scalds from hot water or steam.
• Burns from torches or soldering irons.
• Chemical burns from sealants or cleaning products.

Adequate PPE and training are critical to prevent these injuries.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Plumbers can be exposed to substances that are dangerous to their health over time, such as:

• Asbestos in older buildings.
• Mould and sewage in damp environments.
• Lead in older pipes.

These exposures can lead to long-term respiratory conditions, skin issues, and other chronic illnesses. Employers are required to conduct proper risk assessments and provide necessary protective gear and ventilation in order to reduce risks for workers.

When Can a Plumber File a Personal Injury Claim?

If you’re a plumber who has sustained an injury at work due to someone else’s negligence, whether that’s your employer, a site manager, or another contractor, you may be entitled to compensation. Here are the three essential requirements for making a personal injury claim:

1. Duty of Care Was Breached

Employers have a legal duty to ensure the safety and welfare of their workers. However, they may be in breach of their duty if they failed to:

• Provide appropriate PPE,
• Maintain a safe working environment,
• Offer adequate training, or
• Conduct proper risk assessments,

2. You Were Injured as a Result

To file a claim, you must have sustained an injury which can be directly linked to the employer’s (or someone else’s) negligence. This could be a one-off incident, like slipping on an unmarked wet floor. Alternatively, it could be a cumulative injury, like developing back problems due to repetitive heavy lifting.

3. The Incident Occurred Within the Legal Time Limit

In most cases, you must start your claim within three years of the date of the accident or the date you became aware of your injury (whichever is later). But, this time limit has exceptions, such as if the injured person is under 18 or lacks mental capacity.

What To Do After an Injury

If you’ve been injured while working as a plumber, it’s important to take the following steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even if the injury seems minor, you should get medical treatment immediately. This ensures your health is prioritised and provides a medical record that can serve as evidence for your claim.

2. Report the Incident

You must make sure to notify your employer about your injury and ensure the accident is recorded in the company’s accident book. Consequently, this also helps to establish an official timeline and description of the incident.

3. Gather Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible which may include:

• Photographs of the scene.
• Witness statements.
• Equipment involved.
• Any correspondence related to safety concerns.

What Can You Claim For?

Finally, if your personal injury claim is successful, compensation may cover:

• General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (quality of life).
• Special damages for financial losses such as:
  • Lost earnings (past and future),
  • Medical expenses,
  • Travel costs,
  • Cost of care or rehabilitation.

Start Your ‘No Win, No Fee’ Claim

If you believe your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, speak to a qualified personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to explore your options.

At Jefferies Claims, we will guide you through the claims process. We partner with experienced lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

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