Study Raises Concerns Over Inspections

New research that suggests many workplaces in the UK have not been assessed in relation to health and safety is a major cause for concern, an accident at work claims expert has warned.

David Urpeth, a partner at Irwin Mitchell who specialises in workplace injury cases, said action must be taken to tackle some of the issues raised in the new report from the Trades Union Congress.

According to the study, 49 per cent of UK workplaces have not been visited by a health and safety inspector. In addition, just over a quarter of businesses polled said they had been visited in the past 12 months.

This is despite evidence suggesting that a visit and any subsequent enforcement can ensure organisations meet health and safety legislation, which in turn ensures employees are now exposed to avoidable risks.

Workplace injury expert David Urpeth said: “The figures published in the TUC survey are a wake-up call on workplace safety, as well as a major blow for those demanding that the safety of workers is more of a priority for employers.

“In addition, with funding cuts hanging over the Health and Safety Executive, there is a concern that this issue could potentially get worse.
 
“As I have seen first-hand the traumatic and life-changing impact that work accidents can have on people, I urge the organisation to ensure this does not happen.”

If you or a loved one has suffered due to an accident at work, our personal injury lawyers could help you make a No Win No Fee compensation claim. See our Accident At Work Compensation page for more information.