Health and Safety Compensation Claims

Updated June 2026

You may be able to claim compensation for a health and safety breach at work if your employer fails to meet their legal duty of care and you suffer an injury as a result. Health and safety regulations require employers and anyone in control of a workplace to take reasonable steps to prevent avoidable harm. When they do not follow these rules, for example by allowing unsafe conditions, failing to maintain equipment, or ignoring known risks, any injured worker, contractor or authorised visitor can pursue a personal injury claim for the any harm caused by the breach in duty.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in 2024/25 approximately 1.9 working people suffered from a work-related illness or injury. Many of these cases were caused by an accident, or insufficient working conditions, resulting from a breach of health and safety.

The legislation not only includes direct employees but also any individual undertaking work on-premises that they own or control. It also extends to any individuals undertaking tasks at their request.

This area of law is often complex and the nature of an employer’s responsibilities may vary depending on when the accident occurred. Therefore, if you wish to pursue a personal injury compensation claim arising from an accident at work, it’s advisable to speak to a personal injury solicitor who is experienced in work injury claims.

Contact the claims experts

If you have been in an accident at work, contact us on 0333 358 3034 or get in touch online. 

What Are Employees Responsible For?

Workplace accidents happen for many reasons, but a significant number occur because an employer has failed to follow essential health and safety laws. Employers in the UK have a legal duty of care to take all reasonably practicable steps to protect employees, contractors, and anyone else on their premises from avoidable harm. When they neglect this duty, whether through poor training, inadequate risk assessments, faulty equipment, or unsafe working practices, accidents become can and do happen.

Modern health and safety regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and industry‑specific rules such as the Work at Height Regulations 2005, set out clear requirements for employers. These include:

• Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments
• Providing appropriate training and supervision
• Maintaining equipment and machinery
• Ensuring safe systems of work
• Managing fire safety procedures and alarm testing
• Responding quickly when hazards are identified

When these responsibilities are ignored or poorly implemented, the risk of injury increases significantly.

Typical Injuries Caused by Health and Safety Breaches

Health and safety failings can lead to a wide range of injuries and occupational illnesses which may include:

• Manual handling incidents
• Slips, trips and falls
• Falls from height
• Contact with moving machinery
• Being struck by moving or falling objects

Industries with the highest injury rates remain construction, agriculture, waste management, transport, and manufacturing, where workers are more frequently exposed to hazardous environments and heavy equipment.

Common Work‑Related Health Conditions

There are several categories of work‑related illnesses that frequently arise from unsafe working conditions, such as:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): often linked to poor manual handling, repetitive tasks, or inadequate ergonomic support
• Work‑related stress, anxiety and depression: now one of the leading causes of lost working days
• Occupational asthma:  caused by exposure to dust, fumes, or chemicals
• Skin diseases:  including dermatitis from contact with irritants or insufficient PPE

Long‑Latency Conditions

According to the HSE, some conditions develop many years after exposure to harmful substances or unsafe working environments for which you may be able to claim compensation. These include:

• Asbestos‑related diseases such as mesothelioma
• Occupational cancers
• Chronic respiratory diseases
• Vibration‑related conditions, including Hand‑Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
• Noise‑induced hearing loss

These illnesses often arise in industries where workers faced prolonged exposure to hazardous materials or high‑risk environments.

Examples of Safety Breaches

Safety breaches can range from minor oversights to serious failures that put workers at considerable risk. Examples include:

• Not cleaning or signposting wet floors
• Failing to provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ignoring known hazards or failing to act on reported risks
• Poorly maintained machinery or tools
• Inadequate training for operating dangerous equipment
• Incorrectly erected scaffolding or unstable work platforms
• Lack of supervision in high‑risk areas

Regardless of whether the breach seems small or severe, the consequences for the injured person may have a serious impact. Even a simple slip caused by poor housekeeping can lead to fractures, long‑term mobility issues, or loss of earnings. More serious breaches can result in permanent disability or chronic illness.

FAQs: What to Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury Caused by Negligence

What should I do first if I’m injured at work?

Your first step is to get medical treatment so your injuries are properly recorded. Medical notes become essential evidence for a personal injury claim.

Do I need to report the accident to my employer?

Yes. You must report the accident as soon as possible and ensure it is written in the accident book. If this doesn’t happen, email your own written account to create a time‑stamped record.

What evidence should I collect at the scene?

Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Gather witness names and request any available CCTV footage. These details help prove negligence and support your work injury claim.

Should I keep records after the accident?

Yes. Keep receipts for travel, medication, and treatment, and note any lost earnings or changes to your daily routine. Financial losses are typically included in your compensation, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

Can I sign documents from my employer or insurer?

Avoid signing anything until you’ve taken legal advice. Early statements or quick settlement offers can weaken your claim.

Do I need a solicitor to start a claim?

We will connect you with a specialist solicitor who can assess your case, gather evidence, arrange medical reports, and handle the entire process on a No Win No Fee basis. They offer a free, no-obligation consultation to establish whether you have a valid claim.

Start Your Claim Today

You can either call us free on 0333 358 3034 or enquire online and one of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your potential personal injury claim in more detail, on a confidential and professional basis.

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.