The personal safety of students and staff is important to everyone who enters a school building. There is a need to make sure that every person knows the escape routes and the quickest way out. One concern can always be students at the top floor of a school building have to exit quickly as there would be no other options. This is why fire doors are used within large buildings to contain a fire as much as possible and prevent it spreading across an entire floor.
Students, especially younger children are prone to panicking more and therefore the need for a calm and efficient exit of a building is essential to avoid accidents or falls. Teachers will be well practiced in keeping students calm and getting them to move along quickly to avoid an accident or compensation claim.
Showing posts with label compensation claims. Show all posts
Showing posts with label compensation claims. Show all posts
Monday, 25 June 2012
Friday, 22 June 2012
Office Fires and Preventing Accident Claim
Office working environments differ from construction sites and in the majority of cases employees should exit the building as soon as possible, rather than trying to fight the fire or extinguish it. As part of inductions, employees are shown where to go in the event of a fire and the nearest fire escape route.
Often office floors can have lots of different office partitions making it even more boxed off and people all trying to get through the main doors. If done correctly, staff can still exit the building without causing an accident that might result in an accident claim.
Often offices are connected through to the local fire station. As soon as the alarm is activated, the fire service is also alerted. In training exercises they are pre-warned to prevent an unnecessary call out
Often office floors can have lots of different office partitions making it even more boxed off and people all trying to get through the main doors. If done correctly, staff can still exit the building without causing an accident that might result in an accident claim.
Often offices are connected through to the local fire station. As soon as the alarm is activated, the fire service is also alerted. In training exercises they are pre-warned to prevent an unnecessary call out
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Fires on a Construction Site
On a construction site there will be specific and identified points and the fire extinguisher will be appropriate to the nature of the potential fire. The use of chemicals and potential hazards mean that only trained people should use the fire extinguishers. As a general rule;
- Water is used to extinguish wood, paper and cloth
- Dry powder or foam extinguisher is used for flammable liquids
- Carbon dioxide extinguisher must be used for electrical items.
Monday, 18 June 2012
Fighting Fires At Work
If you are working in an office there is usually a need for a fire person or fire warden. The role and responsibility for this person is to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency and they will also be trained in what fire extinguishers are required for which fire.
Fighting fires is not something which should be taken on lightly. Professionals are trained for years with the correct equipment to extinguish fires safely without causing injury which might lead to a compensation claims. In some cases a person might make the situation worse and end up endangering their own live by trying to tackle a fire within the correct training. In the next few posts we take a look at some of the training and situations that are involved in fire training.
Fighting fires is not something which should be taken on lightly. Professionals are trained for years with the correct equipment to extinguish fires safely without causing injury which might lead to a compensation claims. In some cases a person might make the situation worse and end up endangering their own live by trying to tackle a fire within the correct training. In the next few posts we take a look at some of the training and situations that are involved in fire training.
Monday, 11 June 2012
Assessing Risks on Construction Site Fire Safety
Risk assessment is something that needs to be taken seriously as it sets out the fire procedures and potential risks. This could cover the simple thoughts about how a fire could start in the office or construction site and what materials are around or close by that could ignite and catch fire quickly.
Staff and visitors are an obvious priority as no-one wants to be dealing with people’s injuries, compensation claims or a situation far worse. This is why those people who might be at risk such as visitors who might not know the area or layout and vulnerable people like those who will need disabled access or assistance to leave quickly need to be planned and prepared for.
One way to ensure employees know the risks is to hold regular training and fire exit exercises. It seems like a hassle sometimes to have to leave a meeting or something half way through construction but a fire will not wait while employees try and remember the nearest exit. Planning and training to get everyone out quickly is vital.
Once training has happened, the process of doing this needs to be reviewed and to look for areas of improvement. Can the times to get out of the building be reduced, is there another safe route that no-one will have thought of. Is there a quicker way to review and document any changes on a building site that everyone needs to be aware of, which might speed up an emergency exit?
Staff and visitors are an obvious priority as no-one wants to be dealing with people’s injuries, compensation claims or a situation far worse. This is why those people who might be at risk such as visitors who might not know the area or layout and vulnerable people like those who will need disabled access or assistance to leave quickly need to be planned and prepared for.
One way to ensure employees know the risks is to hold regular training and fire exit exercises. It seems like a hassle sometimes to have to leave a meeting or something half way through construction but a fire will not wait while employees try and remember the nearest exit. Planning and training to get everyone out quickly is vital.
Once training has happened, the process of doing this needs to be reviewed and to look for areas of improvement. Can the times to get out of the building be reduced, is there another safe route that no-one will have thought of. Is there a quicker way to review and document any changes on a building site that everyone needs to be aware of, which might speed up an emergency exit?
Friday, 1 June 2012
Fire and Construction Sites
Fire is a potential risk when working with tools that
generate sparks, heat or flames. A spark or flame that catches on paper or any
flammable material can quickly cause a fire that may be hard to control.
Sometimes due to noise, a worker might not even realise that a spark has
ignited.
This is why the fire plan must always be kept up to date.
This is critical during any alteration work or as the construction develops.
Workers must know at all times, the fire escape routes and what to do in the
event of an emergency. There must be an effective way for all employees to
raise the alarm in the event of a fire to reduce the hazard, prevent panic and
ensure everyone is safe.
A construction site really can develop and change daily, so
to ensure there are no compensation claims from accidents workers must know the fire routes and know if they
are likely to change as a building or area changes.
Friday, 25 May 2012
Uncontrolled Collaspe and Demolition
Uncontrolled collapse on a building site is one thing that everyone needs to be concerned with. The same factors that apply to excavations, apply to demolition and these include;
• The age of the structure that is being demolished
• Its previous use
• The type of construction that is being demolished
• Any structures or buildings nearby
• And finally the weight of any removed material or machinery on floors that might be above ground level.
To avoid and prevent accidental collapse and any potential compensation claims these points need to be thoroughly assessed. When a demolition takes place, there is a lot of processes that need to b auctioned before any work starts.
• The age of the structure that is being demolished
• Its previous use
• The type of construction that is being demolished
• Any structures or buildings nearby
• And finally the weight of any removed material or machinery on floors that might be above ground level.
To avoid and prevent accidental collapse and any potential compensation claims these points need to be thoroughly assessed. When a demolition takes place, there is a lot of processes that need to b auctioned before any work starts.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Falling Materials During Demoliton
Aswell as working at height, there is the potential for workers and pedestrians being injured by premature and uncontrolled collapse of structures as well as flying debris as a result of the collapse.
The risk of any demolition work is that is can cause a premature collapse of the structure. This is why the safe way of working to reduce the risks of accidents and any compensation claims from the public
The risk of any demolition work is that is can cause a premature collapse of the structure. This is why the safe way of working to reduce the risks of accidents and any compensation claims from the public
- Exclusion zones and hard hat areas are essential to protect the public and workers. The exclusion zones need to be clearly signposted and marked.
- Any walkways need to be covered?
- Ensuring the use of high-tech machines
- And finally…making sure that all employees are trained and supervised to reduce the risk of an injury, which might lead to a personal injury claim.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Excavations and Compensation Claims
Excavations involve digging underground and this can bring another level of accident awareness and precautions that need to be observed.
Avoid Collapse of Excavation
If you are working underground there is an element that you need to be aware of and that is ensuring the excavation does not collapse and cause untold problems and complications. Workers can get trapped underground and therefore the excavation needs to be supported to reduce this risk. This can be done using a temporary supports before any digging work begins or ensuring the sides of the excavation pit are safe and creating a reduced risk of collapse which may result in compensation claims.
Falling Into the Excavation
The area must be guarded off to prevent people falling into the area. If there are no barriers or constraints then people are more likely to fall into the area and this may result in a personal injury claim, as a fall can cause injuries.
Other Buildings
When digging out the trench or excavation pit make sure that any surrounding buildings are not affected. Buildings that are close to each might be reliant on the same footings and if you are investigating and changing footings to one building this might affect others. Dislodging footings can cause subsidance and cause other problems for nearby buildings.
Avoid Collapse of Excavation
If you are working underground there is an element that you need to be aware of and that is ensuring the excavation does not collapse and cause untold problems and complications. Workers can get trapped underground and therefore the excavation needs to be supported to reduce this risk. This can be done using a temporary supports before any digging work begins or ensuring the sides of the excavation pit are safe and creating a reduced risk of collapse which may result in compensation claims.
Falling Into the Excavation
The area must be guarded off to prevent people falling into the area. If there are no barriers or constraints then people are more likely to fall into the area and this may result in a personal injury claim, as a fall can cause injuries.
Other Buildings
When digging out the trench or excavation pit make sure that any surrounding buildings are not affected. Buildings that are close to each might be reliant on the same footings and if you are investigating and changing footings to one building this might affect others. Dislodging footings can cause subsidance and cause other problems for nearby buildings.
Friday, 24 February 2012
Dispose of Waste On A Construction Site
There are plenty of obstacles that are present on a construction site from deliveries and of course waste. Many industries have deliveries and a certain amount of waste goes with the delivery. The key to a successful working environment is to make sure the waste is disposed of appropriately and quickly.
No-one likes to see left over paper, wire binding or plastic sheets left on the floor after a delivery as it looks untidy. The more important reason is of course the health and safety aspect of waste disposal. Left over sheets can blow in the wind, wire binding can cause people to trip over and paper can also become slippy if it becomes wet.
Slip, trip and fall accidents can cause untold problems and injury is someone slips and those incidents may also lead to potential compensation claims.
No-one likes to see left over paper, wire binding or plastic sheets left on the floor after a delivery as it looks untidy. The more important reason is of course the health and safety aspect of waste disposal. Left over sheets can blow in the wind, wire binding can cause people to trip over and paper can also become slippy if it becomes wet.
Slip, trip and fall accidents can cause untold problems and injury is someone slips and those incidents may also lead to potential compensation claims.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Construction Site Slips and Trip Accident Claim
The system of processes and health and safety policies on a construction site are important and vital. There is a need to make sure every worker knows the regulations and how to deal with potential hazards and a slip or trip in any environment can lead to injury and may result in compensation claims.
Uneven and slippery surfaces can cause problems on a site. As a project develops and grows the site layout changes. Therefore, designated walkways are essential to make sure employees can work around the site without injury. If carrying water or a substance that is likely to make an area slippy make sure that any slips are either mopped up, highlighted with warning signs, or highlighted to an appropriate person to make the necessary arrangements.
Level changes are also another hazard that can cause a trip or fall if not monitored. As the construction develops there will be a need to add fixtures and fittings such as doorways, window frames and steps if building a house or office block. If a floor has been raised, or a doorway fitted that might cause a trip as the height difference is not obvious consider highlighting the area with warning tape, boards or even cones if needed.
If these are not highlighted and someone falls over a doorframe or slips on some water this might result in an accident claim.
Uneven and slippery surfaces can cause problems on a site. As a project develops and grows the site layout changes. Therefore, designated walkways are essential to make sure employees can work around the site without injury. If carrying water or a substance that is likely to make an area slippy make sure that any slips are either mopped up, highlighted with warning signs, or highlighted to an appropriate person to make the necessary arrangements.
Level changes are also another hazard that can cause a trip or fall if not monitored. As the construction develops there will be a need to add fixtures and fittings such as doorways, window frames and steps if building a house or office block. If a floor has been raised, or a doorway fitted that might cause a trip as the height difference is not obvious consider highlighting the area with warning tape, boards or even cones if needed.
If these are not highlighted and someone falls over a doorframe or slips on some water this might result in an accident claim.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Whiplash Claim Articles
It was in the news last week about how David Cameron is looking to work with car insurers to reduce the number of claims for whiplash personal injury which will in turn reduce insurance costs, with these savings to be passed onto customers.
Friday, 17 February 2012
Working On A Construction Site: Slips and Trips
We are all aware that slips and trips can happen anywhere from the home, office or during recreation. In some cases these accidents can be avoided with the right notifications. If there is a potential for a slip and nothing has been highlighted then the trip may well result in an accident claim. Some accidents can put people off work for weeks and they are not able to do their job effectively and therefore will need some form of compensation.
Working on a construction site is no different, but there is a higher risk of a slip, trip or fall. This is because different grounds can be uneasy or become slippy. Workers will be concentrating on the job and may not be focusing on the potential hazards. Also workers are dealing with heavy machinery, cabling and lots of equipment on a construction site. That coupled with the noise of working on a site can cause problems as if something slides off a vehicle or becomes loose workers might not see it until they step over, or fall over it.
The key to a safe working environment on a construction site is the ability to move around safely. There is also emphasis on workers being responsible for safety aswell. If someone sees a potential hazard they should be able to fix it or report to the appropriate person.
The next few blog posts will be looking and the potential of slips and trips on a construction site. Some of these may lead to potential compensation claims if there is an accident resulting in injury.
Working on a construction site is no different, but there is a higher risk of a slip, trip or fall. This is because different grounds can be uneasy or become slippy. Workers will be concentrating on the job and may not be focusing on the potential hazards. Also workers are dealing with heavy machinery, cabling and lots of equipment on a construction site. That coupled with the noise of working on a site can cause problems as if something slides off a vehicle or becomes loose workers might not see it until they step over, or fall over it.
The key to a safe working environment on a construction site is the ability to move around safely. There is also emphasis on workers being responsible for safety aswell. If someone sees a potential hazard they should be able to fix it or report to the appropriate person.
The next few blog posts will be looking and the potential of slips and trips on a construction site. Some of these may lead to potential compensation claims if there is an accident resulting in injury.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Working on A Construction Site: Protecting The Public
If you can imagine that construction sites really need to be health and safety aware for employees and visitors to the site. Alot of these aspects can be managed and if everyone working on the site or visiting knows the guidelines then the chances of a accident, that might result in a personal injury claim are reduced.
However, the general public also need to be aware of potential dangers from the site. This is where there is a need to protect the public to the extent of making sure they cannot enter the site and setting appropriate boundaries to make sure that the risk of any falling objects are not likely to cause injury to public or employees.
If a construction site is close to a school these can be tempting places for children to want to explore. There are certain measures that site managers can implement to prevent access and these include locking the construction site securely, make sure any open areas such as pits or holes are covered over after the working day, remove access ladders and any potential ways in for people and finally make sure plant machinery is immobilised.
These are a few steps that are essential to ensure safety. If these regulations are not in place, there is the potential for compensation claims if someone is injured or hurt on the construction site premises.
However, the general public also need to be aware of potential dangers from the site. This is where there is a need to protect the public to the extent of making sure they cannot enter the site and setting appropriate boundaries to make sure that the risk of any falling objects are not likely to cause injury to public or employees.
If a construction site is close to a school these can be tempting places for children to want to explore. There are certain measures that site managers can implement to prevent access and these include locking the construction site securely, make sure any open areas such as pits or holes are covered over after the working day, remove access ladders and any potential ways in for people and finally make sure plant machinery is immobilised.
These are a few steps that are essential to ensure safety. If these regulations are not in place, there is the potential for compensation claims if someone is injured or hurt on the construction site premises.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Compensation Claims Case Study: Whiplash from Car Bump
Suffering whiplash from a rear bump from a car can cause varying degrees of injuries depending on things such as how hard and fast your car is hit but many can result in an accident claim being made. This case study takes a look at a Leamington businessman’s compensation claim after suffering a personal injury when his vehicle was hit from behind by a car. This hit led to him suffering neck injuries and so began a no win, no fee compensation claim.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Injured on Holiday?
Millions of people in the UK save up and look forward to going on holiday every year but unfortunately a number of these holidays are ruined by accidents and illness. If you have an accident whilst abroad on holiday you may be able to make a personal injury claim.
Some accidents that may occur whilst abroad that you could make a claim for are trips and slips due to a defective surface or liquids or debris on the floor of your hotel, electrocution from faulty hotel equipment or food poisoning from eating in a hotel restaurant.
These are all things that you wouldn’t expect to happen on holiday and you are likely to be able to claim for. If you are involved in one of these things make sure you gather as much evidence as possible to give you the best chance of a successful claim.
Report the accident to your holiday representative as soon as possible so that there is a record of the accident. If it is something like a fall from a bad floor in the hotel be sure to take photographs of where the incident occurred as soon as possible so there is no time for them to do anything about it and claim that there was never a problem. Seek medical advice to be sure you are okay and put on record the injuries you have suffered.
If you do all of these things then you will have a good chance of winning your personal injury claim. You deserve some sort of compensation if hotel negligence ruins your hard earned holiday.
Some accidents that may occur whilst abroad that you could make a claim for are trips and slips due to a defective surface or liquids or debris on the floor of your hotel, electrocution from faulty hotel equipment or food poisoning from eating in a hotel restaurant.
These are all things that you wouldn’t expect to happen on holiday and you are likely to be able to claim for. If you are involved in one of these things make sure you gather as much evidence as possible to give you the best chance of a successful claim.
Report the accident to your holiday representative as soon as possible so that there is a record of the accident. If it is something like a fall from a bad floor in the hotel be sure to take photographs of where the incident occurred as soon as possible so there is no time for them to do anything about it and claim that there was never a problem. Seek medical advice to be sure you are okay and put on record the injuries you have suffered.
If you do all of these things then you will have a good chance of winning your personal injury claim. You deserve some sort of compensation if hotel negligence ruins your hard earned holiday.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Criminal Injury Claims
Compensation claims can be made for a whole variety of things including accidents at work, defective products and road accidents which can all be horrible things to go through but perhaps the least pleasant reason to make a claim is from criminal injury.
This is unfortunately a daily occurrence with many people being criminally injured in a variety of different ways. Attacks when out socialising, mugging, violent burglary and sexual assault are just some of the types of criminal injury you may experience that you could claim for.
If you experience criminal injury it is very important that you do two things in order to maximise your chances of a successful claim. The first is to report the incident to the police. You will most likely want to do this anyway in order to try and get some justice and you will find it very difficult to make a claim for criminal injury without reporting it to the police.
The second thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Not only is it important that you do this to get your injuries treated but it is a vital piece of evidence in your claim. Compensation claims are much more likely to be successful if you can prove that you aren’t making up or exaggerating your injuries.
This is unfortunately a daily occurrence with many people being criminally injured in a variety of different ways. Attacks when out socialising, mugging, violent burglary and sexual assault are just some of the types of criminal injury you may experience that you could claim for.
If you experience criminal injury it is very important that you do two things in order to maximise your chances of a successful claim. The first is to report the incident to the police. You will most likely want to do this anyway in order to try and get some justice and you will find it very difficult to make a claim for criminal injury without reporting it to the police.
The second thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Not only is it important that you do this to get your injuries treated but it is a vital piece of evidence in your claim. Compensation claims are much more likely to be successful if you can prove that you aren’t making up or exaggerating your injuries.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Compensation Claims Case Study: Trip in a Car Park
We have previously posted a couple of case studies before looking at different claims to highlight the process for making a personal injury claim and this case study looks at the claim of Mrs Z, a Coventry woman who suffered a personal injury due to a trip.
Friday, 4 November 2011
Compensation Claims Case Study: Pedestrian Hit by Van
Since we help with compensation claims for many types of accidents including accidents at work, traffic accidents and many more, we thought we’d share with you some case studies with regards to some of our successful claims. The accident claims we have helped with range in all kinds of accidents, from moderate to serious injuries. We have made successful compensation claims ranging from £2,500 to £48,000 for our clients.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Different Types of Accidents
Have a look at our mini site for different types of accidents that could result in compensation claims:
Accident Types
(link to external site)
The post features links to all the different types of accidents that Ward & Rider could pursue a compensation claim for on your behalf.
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