Defective Work Equipment Claims

You have a right to expect that your employer will take certain steps to protect you in the workplace, especially if you are using potentially dangerous equipment.

Many workplace accidents involve a failure on the part of the employer to:

• Keep work equipment in good working order
• Regularly inspect any equipment that is likely to deteriorate
• Make sure you are trained in how to use equipment, and aware of any risks/precautions
• Protect you from dangerous machine parts by using fixed guards
• Communicate any specific risks to you, as identified in a risk assessment
• Withdraw faulty equipment immediately until it’s been repaired or replaced.

If your employer failed in any of these steps and you were injured as a result, you may be able to claim compensation.

In cases where the nature of the defect is unclear, one of our solicitors will visit your workplace to have a look at the faulty item. If needed, we will use specialist engineers to test the equipment.

If you have any questions about employer negligence, please contact one of our legal advisers for a free initial consultation about making a claim.

Sometimes workplace accidents are caused because of a manufacturing defect in a piece of equipment or machinery. Our lawyers are experienced in establishing whether the cause of your accident was employer negligence, or due to a manufacturing defect.

It may be necessary to carry out an on-site inspection if the exact cause of your accident is unclear. If a manufacturing fault exists, your employer may still be liable under the Employers Liability (Defective Equipment) Act 1969.

Depending on the circumstances, we may be making a claim against your employer or the manufacturer of the faulty equipment, or even a combination of the two.