Manufacturing Industry Claims

Updated June 2026

Workers injured in the UK manufacturing industry may be entitled to claim compensation if their injury was caused by employer negligence. Manufacturing workplaces often involve machinery, production lines, manual handling tasks, and potentially hazardous substances, all of which can present considerable safety risks.

Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment and take reasonable steps to protect employees from harm. When this duty is breached and an injury occurs, a worker may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. Here we explain what employer negligence means, provides examples of common manufacturing accidents, and outlines the personal injury claims process from beginning to end.

To learn more and to discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our team on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form. 

What Is Employer Negligence in the Manufacturing Industry?

Employer negligence happens when your employer fails to take reasonable steps to protect your health and safety. Manufacturing employers must follow strict legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, including:

• Providing safe and well‑maintained machinery
• Delivering proper training and supervision
• Carrying out regular risk assessments
• Supplying suitable PPE
• Ensuring safe working systems
• Responding to reported hazards promptly

According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were 55,000 workers who “sustained non-fatal injuries at work averaged over a three year period 2022/23-2024/25.” In addition to that, there were 11 fatal injuries to workers in 2024/25.

If your employer ignores their responsibilities to keep you safe and you suffer an injury as a result, you may have grounds to make a personal injury claim.

Real‑World Examples of Manufacturing Accidents

While compensation sadly can’t take back away the pain and suffering that your injury has caused, it can help with the recovery process and bring you one step closer to getting your life back to where it was before the accident happened. There are certain accident types that are more likely to occur in a manufacturing setting than others, including: 

• Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
• Forklift Accidents
• Manual Handling Accidents
• Machinery-related Accidents
• Fall from Height Accidents 
• Repetitive Strain Injuries 
• Overexertion Injuries

If you have had to undergo medical treatment due to your injury, have had to go to repeated hospital visits or have had to take a large amount of time off from work, any of these signs would indicate that your injury has been serious. If you have suffered a serious injury from work, you may need consistent care and extensive treatment going forward to ensure that you recover. Compensation can help cover the costs associated with treatment, care and the need to take time off work or find a different job role. 

How to Make a Personal Injury Claim After a Manufacturing Accident

To make a successful claim, you must show that your employer breached their duty of care and that this breach caused your injury. Here’s how the process works.

1. Report the Accident

Tell your supervisor or HR team immediately. Ensure the incident is recorded in the accident book. This creates an official record that supports your claim.

2. Get Medical Treatment

Visit a GP or hospital as soon as possible. Medical records are essential evidence and help demonstrate the severity of your injury.

3. Collect Evidence

Gather anything that helps prove what happened, such as:

• Photos of the hazard or defective machinery
• Witness statements
• Accident book entries
• Training records
• Maintenance logs
• Your medical reports

The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim becomes.

4. Track Your Financial Losses

You may be able to claim for:

• Lost earnings
• Medical expenses
• Travel costs
• Rehabilitation
• Future loss of income

Keep receipts and a diary of your symptoms.

5. Speak to a Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor

Manufacturing claims can be complex. We partner with solicitors who can help you prove employer negligence, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers. Most claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.

6. Start Your Claim

Your solicitor will notify your employer’s insurer, arrange an independent medical assessment, and negotiate compensation. Most cases settle without going to court.

What Can You Claim For?

Compensation in the manufacturing injury is determined by taking into account the amount of pain and suffering that has been caused by an injury, as well as taking into account whether the injury has caused a loss of amenity/a loss in the ability to function as you normally would. 

Compensation also takes financial losses into account, such as lost earnings and transport costs to medical appointments. As each case is unique, your solicitor will be able to estimate your claim.

FAQs: Manufacturing Industry Claims – How the Personal Injury Claims Process Works

Can I make a claim if I’m still working for the employer?

Yes. The law protects you from being dismissed or treated unfairly for making a legitimate claim. In addition, you do not need to take time off work to claim.

How will I support myself if I cannot work?

One of the biggest concerns for injured manufacturing workers is the loss of income following an accident. If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be worried about paying bills, supporting your family, and meeting everyday expenses. A compensation claim can help recover lost earnings and other financial losses caused by the accident.

Will I be able to return to my job ?

Many workers are uncertain about whether they will make a full recovery or be able to return to the same role. Serious injuries can affect mobility, strength, dexterity, or overall health, making it difficult to carry out physically demanding manufacturing work. Compensation can take into account the long-term impact an injury may have on your employment prospects and future earnings.

Will my employer treat me differently if I make a claim?

Some employees are reluctant to pursue compensation because they fear damaging workplace relationships or facing negative consequences at work. In reality, claims are typically handled through an employer’s liability insurance, and employees have a legal right to seek compensation when they have been injured because of employer negligence.

Do I have enough evidence to make a claim?

After an accident, workers often worry that they cannot prove what happened. Accident book entries, witness statements, CCTV footage, medical records, photographs, and maintenance records can all help support a claim. A solicitor can advise on what evidence may be available and whether you have grounds to proceed.

How long do I have to make a claim?

You usually have three years from the date of the accident or from when you first realised your injury was linked to your work.

Get Started

If you’ve been injured in the manufacturing industry due to unsafe machinery, inadequate training, or ignored hazards, you may be entitled to compensation.

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

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.