Carbon Monoxide Claims

Updated July 2026

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning at work is a serious and preventable industrial hazard, but if employers fail to control exposure, an employees may be entitled to pursue carbon monoxide claims for compensation. Carbon monoxide poisoning at work may result from faulty boilers or heaters which have not been properly maintained, poor ventilation or even unsafe work practices such as running engines indoors. It can have a dangerous impact on the lungs if high concentrations are inhaled.

If this has happened to you, here is detail on exactly what carbon monoxide poisoning is, how employer negligence occurs, and what steps you should take to start a work‑related CO claim in the UK.

🛑What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Workplace?

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, highly toxic gas produced by faulty, poorly ventilated, or malfunctioning fuel‑burning equipment. In workplaces where machinery, heating systems, engines, or industrial processes rely on combustion, CO exposure can becomes a real risk.

When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin in the blood, This result in reduced oxygen delivery to vital organs. Even short‑term exposure can cause severe symptoms, while prolonged exposure can be fatal.

According to the NHS, early symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Long‑term neurological damage

Known as a ‘silent killer’, because CO is invisible and scentless, workers often don’t realise they’re being poisoned until symptoms worsen.

🏭 Where Carbon Monoxide Exposure Happens at Work

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in any workplace that uses fuel‑burning equipment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that “every year around 7 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated”.

High‑risk environments include:

• Factories and industrial plants: boilers, furnaces, and industrial heaters
• Garages and workshops: vehicle exhaust fumes in enclosed spaces
• Construction sites: petrol‑powered tools and generators
• Warehouses: gas‑powered forklifts
• Commercial kitchens: malfunctioning gas appliances
• Agricultural settings: machinery and heating systems in barns or sheds

If your workplace uses combustion equipment, CO exposure is a foreseeable hazard and employers are legally required to manage it.

🛑 What Counts as Employer Negligence in Carbon Monoxide Claims?

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must be able to show that employer negligence caused or contributed to your carbon monoxide poisoning. In England and Wales, employers have strict legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

Employer negligence may include:

Failure to maintain equipment

Faulty boilers, heaters, engines, or gas appliances are a leading cause of CO leaks. Employers must service and inspect equipment regularly.

Poor ventilation

Enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces allow CO to accumulate quickly. Employers must ensure safe airflow and extraction systems.

Lack of carbon monoxide detectors

Detectors are essential in high‑risk environments. Failure to install or maintain them is a clear breach of duty.

Ignoring warning signs

If workers report headaches, dizziness, or equipment faults and employers fail to act, this strengthens a negligence claim.

Inadequate training

Employees must understand CO risks, symptoms, and emergency procedures.

Unsafe work practices

Running engines indoors, blocking ventilation, or using malfunctioning tools can expose workers to dangerous CO levels.

🧭 Steps to Start a Work‑Related Carbon Monoxide Claim

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning at work, here are the steps you should take as early as possible:

1. Seek urgent medical attention

CO poisoning is a medical emergency. A blood test measuring carboxyhaemoglobin levels provides crucial evidence for your claim.

2. Report the incident to your employer

Make sure the incident is recorded in the accident book. This creates an official record of exposure.

3. Gather evidence

Useful evidence includes:

• Medical records
• Photos of faulty equipment
• CO detector readings (if available)
• Witness statements
• Maintenance logs
• Workplace risk assessments

4. Document your symptoms

Keep a diary of how the poisoning affects your daily life, work, and recovery.

5. Check if your employer breached safety laws

Any failure to manage CO risks may support your claim.

6. Contact a specialist personal injury solicitor

We partner with personal injury solicitors who are experienced in industrial illness claims. They can assess your case in an initial, free consultation, gather evidence, and negotiate compensation. They also offer No Win, No Fee agreements.

7. Start your claim within the time limit

You usually have three years from the date of exposure or diagnosis to start your claim.

🧪Examples of Work‑Related CO Negligence

Here are some examples of how employer failings may lead to a claim for compensation:

Faulty warehouse heaters

A warehouse worker suffered dizziness and collapse after a malfunctioning gas heater leaked CO. The employer had ignored previous complaints about headaches among staff. The worker may potentially claim for compensation for lost earnings and long‑term cognitive issues.

Garage exhaust exposure

A mechanic inhaled CO fumes after the employer allowed vehicles to idle inside the workshop without proper ventilation. However, the employer failed to install extraction fans. The claim may well succeed due to clear breaches of safety regulations.

Construction site generator leak

A petrol generator used inside a partially enclosed site caused CO build-up. Workers were not trained on CO risks. This could lead to multiple employees receiving compensation for acute poisoning.

The above examples show how predictable and preventable CO incidents often are and why employers need to be aware of the high risk to safety in the workplace.

💷 What Compensation Covers in Carbon Monoxide Claims

Each claim is unique, so your solicitor can provide an estimate for your specific circumstances. However, compensation for work injury involving carbon monoxide poisoning typically covers:

• Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Loss of earnings
• Future loss of earnings
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Travel expenses
• Care and support
• Long‑term neurological damage

The more severe your symptoms and long‑term impact, the higher the potential award.

FAQs About Carbon Monoxide Workplace Claims

Can I claim if symptoms appeared gradually?

Yes. Many CO cases involve slow exposure at work over days or weeks.

What if my employer denies responsibility?

Your solicitor can gather evidence to prove negligence.

Can I claim on behalf of a loved one?

Yes, if they are too unwell or if the poisoning was fatal.

Do I need proof of CO levels?

Medical evidence and workplace conditions often provide sufficient proof.

Will my job be affected?

Employers cannot legally dismiss you for making a claim.

Contact Us – Free Consultation

Carbon monoxide poisoning at work is generally preventable. So if an employers has failed to maintain equipment, ventilate workspaces, or protect staff, they may be legally responsible for the harm caused. If you suffered CO poisoning due to employer negligence, taking the correct steps early while evidence is still available will strengthen your claim.

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

 

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