Faulty Work Equipment - Compensation Claims

Claiming compensation for inuries arising from defective work equipment

Accidents and injuries at work are often caused by defective or faulty work equipment. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 apply to all work equipment.

“Work equipment” is defined as meaning ‘any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work (whether exclusively or not)’. “Use” in relation to work equipment means ‘any activity involving work equipment and includes starting, stopping, programming, setting, transporting, repairing, modifying, maintaining, servicing and cleaning'.

In addition, more specialist regulations are sometimes applicable such as:

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

Work equipment has to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided and employers have to take steps to minimise the risk of any effect machinery may have upon an employee's health and safety. An assessment has to be carried out to identify any risks. Whilst carrying out assessments, employers need to have regard for working conditions, risks caused by premises and the undertaking and specific use of the equipment concerned. Employees are also entitled to be notified of any risks to their health and safety highlighted by the said risk assessments. 

Every employer has to ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and is in good repair. Inspections of machinery are often required for example if equipment is exposed to conditions likely to cause deterioration.

Employees also have to be adequately trained on methods of use, risks and precautions. Measures have to be taken to protect employees against dangerous or potentially faulty machine parts.

Having dealt with many claims of this nature we are experienced in combating the issues that can arise in faulty work equipment claims.

Click here to fill in our online enquiry form and receive free legal advice on your claim >

Case studies: injury compensation from faulty work equipment

A faulty seat in a HGV resulted in an out of court settlement of over £47,000 when an individual sustained injury to his back whilst driving a vehicle with a faulty seat along a rough road.

An electrocution at work led to an out of court settlement of over £80,000 when the worker sustained severe burns, a fracture to right foot, lacerations and a psychological injury. In this case the employer failed to ensure all electrical equipment was isolated before instructing the employee to carry out maintenance work.

See also:

Engineer “All At Sea” After Accident at Work Receives Expert Advice and Compensation

What we'll do for you as specialist work accident solicitors

More than anything, we aim to keep things clear, simple and as straightforward as possible for our clients, so there’s no need for you to worry at any point about the legal complexities or technicalities of your accident or injury claim. You’ll be kept informed throughout the claims process which, put simply, looks like this:

• Your free initial consultation gives us a clear understanding of your injury claim for defective work equipment.
• If you have a case we assign our best legal team with the expertise to handle your claim.
• The legal team will investigate and build evidence to back up your case.
• We keep in touch with you throughout, so you’re always informed.
• Finally, with your approval, we arrive at the best compensation settlement possible.

Make contact with a solicitor as soon as you can

It’s important to speak to us as soon as possible about your work related faulty equipment claim – time limitation periods apply and investigating your claim is often easier if you begin proceedings quickly. Your initial consultation with us is free, and we’ll tell you then whether or not your case is worth pursuing. If it is, we’ll carry out our investigation of the case free of charge too.

Can I make a compensation claim? Complete our personal injury claim form to see how we can help you.

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