A Guide for Small Business Workplace Accidents in Ireland

While workplace accidents have a reputation for happening at large work sites like construction, the reality is that accidents can happen at a business of any size. Even if you’re a small company, it’s important to take precautions that protect against mishaps.

Make sure that you are following and adhering to regulations. Workplace accidents can’t always be avoided, but unnecessary injuries and fatalities through regular risk assessments.

Avoiding tragedy at work is a necessary part of any business, below is a guide for small businesses to avoid workplace incidents in Ireland.

Workplace Injuries

Manual work injuries are the most common non-fatal accident, these incidents account for one-third of all work-related injuries. The second most common accidents are slips, trips, and falls, which make up 18 percent of accidents reported at the workplace.

Furthermore, accidents that include machinery malfunctions are another significant source of injuries at work. While there are plenty of accidents that could happen at a small business, they are usually within a certain range.

Cost of Accidents

According to figures from the Injuries Board in Ireland, there were 830 workplace claims that totaled €22.5 million with an average pay-out of €27,102. Small businesses face quite a different set of issues and challenges compared to larger businesses.

Businesses that are small often rely on a few key employees and the impact following the loss of key employees due to prolonged absence after a workplace accident.

Preventing Workplace Accidents

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has developed a free online tool that enables small businesses to prepare both written assessments and safety statements specific to the workplace.

It’s called BeSMART. BeSMART not only helps small businesses reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents, but it also reduces absenteeism, costs, and administrative burdens.

Currently, 16,000 businesses are registered. A minimum of 86 percent reduction in cost and a 71 percent reduction in time are involved in undertaking risk assessments and preparing statements work workplaces that resulted from BeSMART feedback.

Risk Assessments

According to McGinley, the personal injury solicitors in Ireland, a risk assessment is important for a variety of reasons. While all employers are required to identify potential hazards, a written assessment is also necessary to determine the risks associated with hazards.

Safety Statements are another document that contains policies specific to your business, reporting procedures, and responsibilities of both the employers and employees.

Employers have the responsibility to implement your business’s health and safety statement, employees need to understand, acknowledge, and adhere to policies. Furthermore, harassment can also impact the ability to apply for a workplace accident claim.

Reporting an Accident

Reporting an accident right away is pivotal for everyone involved. In the case that you are injured on the job, it is crucial to tell your employer right away.

You should also always seek medical help when you need it. Always keep your documents. Be sure not to admit fault if it wasn’t your fault. To receive injury benefits, you must be unable to work for more than six days.

You’ll need to take the necessary steps to apply for benefits and compensation after you have been injured. After you have reported an accident to your employer, it is key to seek out professional assistance from a solicitor like McGinley.

Applying for a Claim

When you have contracted a professional solicitor, they can help you gather the necessary documentation, medical bills, photos, and witnesses. Once you have all the documents in one place, you should open a claim with the Injuries Board.

From the time you apply, the Board will take nine months to decide on your claim as well as how much compensation you will receive.

Investigating Accidents

Whether you are an employee or a small business, it is important to do any necessary research and investigation on the accident.

This includes what occurred before the accident, the sequence of events, the differences between what happened this time and what usually happens, the risks, and if the system in place is flawed.

It doesn’t matter if you are an employee or an employer, investigating the accident is very important to each case.

Whether you are a large business or a small business, it is key to take the necessary precautions for accidents. It is important to take risk assessments and do the work of protecting employees.

Either way it imperative to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your employees.

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