THIS WINTER DON’T IGNORE HEALTH AND SAFETY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2016 :: RMTnews LEGAL 23 As we reach the darkest depths of the British winter, the threat of seasonal weather causing injuries to workers reaches its peak. Every year, Thompsons receives a large number of claims from union members who have sustained weather related injuries which, in many cases, could have been prevented with proper health and safety systems. While some employers unfortunately consider health and safety to be something they would rather overlook, it is a clear legal responsibility and good practice is likely to actually save them money in the long run. Relatively simple measures can prevent serious injuries to members of staff and, when the costs of compensation and of an employee taking time off work to recover are taken into account, bosses should not need to think twice about whether or not to put into place the necessary procedures. As well as a legal requirement, it makes clear financial sense too. According to Network Rail, slips, trips and falls account for 47 per cent of the injuries sustained by passengers when travelling on Britain’s railways. It exceeds any other type of risk by a significant margin and, if this is the case for passengers, then it stands to reason that accidents of this kind should be a major concern for employees too. Uneven surfaces, especially during periods of wet and icy conditions, are particularly dangerous for passengers and workers on train platforms and other areas of high footfall. Failing to put up signs which urge caution to be taken around areas of snow or ice means employers may have to pay out compensation for injuries subsequently sustained. Similarly, putting down salt and grit is a cheap and simple way to limit the likelihood of an employee slipping in the first place. The havoc recently wreaked by Storm Barney also shows the importance of also making workplaces safe in high winds. A proper risk assessment can easily identify a potential hazard, be it an overhanging tree branch or loose roof tiles. When a worker has to take time away from work to recover from an avoidable injury, the employer has to meet the costs of absence and finding appropriate cover. Indeed the employer may also have to pay twice, if the worker secures compensation. When one compares these costs to the expense of taking simple steps to fulfil health and safety requirements it is clear that a rigorously applied health and safety policy is highly cost efficient. There are no excuses. Thompsons recently dealt with the case of an RMT member who tripped on an uneven surface on a train platform and fell, fracturing bones in his wrist and hand. The station operator was forced to pay a five-figure sum in compensation due to the injuries and financial losses suffered by the union member. This example is indicative of the kinds of cases we work with all year round. But it makes it clear that simple steps and a properly implemented health and safety plan can prevent injuries which may be highly damaging - not just to members’ health but also to employers’ finances. This winter, keep your employer in check and keep the safety of your colleagues front and centre by reporting risks wherever you see them. If you do have an accident at work which is not your fault, contact the RMT legal service for advice. THIS WINTER DON’T IGNORE HEALTH AND SAFETY Andrew Hutson of Thompsons solicitors warns that proper health and safety systems need to be in place during cold weather