Written by Rod Dutton
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has published its statistics for 2021/2022.
During this period, 872,000 workers suffered a work related injury which resulted in over 7 days of absence or became ill because of their work. This is an increase of 37% since 2018/2019, a massive upturn.
Over the same period, the number of compensation claims made against employers fell by a whopping 51%. More workers are becoming ill or being injured at work, but there are fewer claims. Injured and ill workers are now far less likely to seek redress than was the case just 3 years ago.
The new data suggests that only 1 in 20 workers makes a claim when injured or made ill in the workplace.
The causes are not fully understood. It is possible that the economic impact of Covid 19 and the cost of living crisis might mean that workers are more fearful of taking legal action against their employers. The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) is undertaking further research.
Contact our Rod Dutton, a fellow of APIL, for advice about work related accident and illness claims on 01305 252560 or r.dutton@hklaw.uk.
