ALCOHOL IS PUTTING WORKERS AT RISK

May 13th, 2008 Hinchliffes

A major insurer has recently carried out a study that revealed alarming statistics about the number of people whose jobs already involve an element of risk, but who go to work either drunk or with a hangover. They do so in the full knowledge that this could increase the risk of a work accident being suffered by either them or their colleagues.

25% of construction workers and 15% of wholesale and agricultural workers admitted to working with a hangover at least once a week.

Of the people who took part in the study, 61% of those involved in manufacturing and 41% of construction workers indicated that it was harder to concentrate with a hangover. With 25% and 33% respectively, admitting to making mistakes that needed to be rectified the following day.

An accident at work could result in serious injury. The Health and Safety Executive’s statistics indicate that the construction industry is particularly dangerous, with around 69 workers killed during 2007.

Work accidents can also result in successful claims for injury compensation being made against employers.

COMMENT:-

Although there are no precise figures on the number of accidents at work where alcohol is a factor, there is no doubt that drunkenness affects judgement and co-ordination. Even small amounts of alcohol consumed either before work or during the working day will increase the risk of an accident happening.

In today’s society, with many people consuming harmful levels of alcohol, it is hardly surprising to note that this is having an effect on the workplace. Lunchtime drinks are common place and in some cases are actually promoted by employers as a means of team building and generating new business.

Employers need to be watchful for signs that alcohol may be affecting workers’ performance. Failure to take adequate steps could be costly, not only to their business but also if people are injured as a result they could end up having to pay personal injury compensation.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have suffered any form of accident at work, contact personal injury specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make claims for injury compensation. All cases are dealt with on a No Win – No Fee basis, where the successful Client keeps 100% of the compensation recovered.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to a personal injury lawyer or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your personal injury claim online.