Accidents of all kinds happen every day, everywhere.
Many of these accidents are completely preventable, so be sure that you are protected.
In some cases, you may need to protect yourself from being held responsible in the event of an accident, and in other cases, you may need help placing a claim after an automobile or workplace injury that has happened as a result of faulty equipment or negligence.
Work Related Injuries Work related injuries like sprains, strains, trips and falls happen for a variety of reasons.
Some happen due to slippery or uneven surfaces, and others happen due to inattention on your part or the part of your employer.
In any case, employers are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment.
Does your employer have a plan in place for preventing accidents that commonly occur within the type of business you work in? Is there a safety committee at work, and do they make a valuable contribution to the overall well being of employees? Is there a set policy and procedure for reporting accidents and injuries, or are problems swept under the carpet? Faulty equipment can cause a variety of accidents.
"Equipment" is anything you use for work related purposes.
You might drive a car or truck during the course of employment, or you might use a computer and sit in a chair owned by the company you work for.
Maybe you work on a construction site, and you use scaffolding and harnesses provided by the company.
Perhaps you use hand tools, work in a kitchen, or manufacture products.
Your employer is responsible for inspecting and maintaining all the equipment you use.
Report defects immediately and take problematic equipment out of service.
You might save yourself or someone else from a work related injury caused by faulty equipment.
Automobile Accidents Much of preventing automobile accidents of all types has to do with using common sense.
Are you aware of your surroundings? Do you use the phone or send text messages while you are behind the wheel? Take a look at your driving habits, and see if there is anything that needs to be changed.
Is your car in good working order? Are the tyres in good shape, and are your brakes well maintained? Pay attention whenever you are behind the wheel.
Never drink and drive, and don't drive when you are tired.
Know where you're going and always carry a map or have satellite navigation to hand.
Keep emergency supplies on hand, and be sure you keep plenty of petrol in your tank.
Last, but not least, try not to drive during inclement weather.
Do you really need to make that trip? The Cost of Accidents All types of accidents cost someone, in more ways than one.
Work related injuries can cause employees to take time off work, and reduce income dramatically.
Health problems caused by working in an unsafe environment can cause reduced quality of life and an early death - leaving family members to cope with the aftermath.
Automobile accidents result in lost productivity, injury, and psychological trauma.
Even injuries that seem minor at first can hurt more after a day or so has passed.
What to Do if You Are Involved In an Accident If you are involved in any type of accident, be sure to get medical attention.
Once you are stabilised, get in touch with a solicitor or firm that deals with accidents.
When you are injured, you need the right people on your side, so protect your rights and ensure your future is as happy as can be by calling as soon as you can.