Trip and Fall Injuries at Work: Your Right to Claim

Slips, Trips and Falls Are the Leading Cause of Workplace Injuries in Ireland

Every year, thousands of Irish workers are injured in slip, trip and fall accidents. According to the Health and Safety Authority, these incidents account for a significant proportion of all workplace injuries reported across the country. They happen in every sector, from construction sites and warehouses to hospitals, factories and office buildings.

If you have been hurt in a trip or fall at work, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding your rights and your employer's responsibilities is the first step.

Why Do Slips, Trips and Falls Happen at Work?

Most of these accidents are preventable. They happen because of hazards that should have been dealt with. Common causes include:

• Wet or slippery floors that have not been cleaned up or signposted
• Uneven surfaces, broken tiles or damaged flooring
• Trailing cables or hoses left across walkways
• Poor lighting in corridors, stairwells and storage areas
• Cluttered walkways blocked by stock, equipment or waste
• Missing handrails on stairs or raised platforms
• Loose mats or rugs that are not secured to the floor
• Ice or debris in outdoor work areas, car parks and loading bays

In construction, the risks are even higher. Workers face uneven ground, scaffolding without proper guardrails, open trenches and debris-covered surfaces every day. In warehouses and logistics centres, spills, packaging materials and poorly stacked goods are constant hazards. In hospitals and healthcare settings, fluids on floors and busy corridors create regular risks for staff.

What Are Your Employer's Duties?

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, your employer has a legal obligation to keep your workplace safe. When it comes to preventing slips, trips and falls, this means they must:

• Keep floors clean, dry and in good condition
• Provide adequate lighting in all work areas
• Ensure walkways and corridors are kept clear
• Put up warning signs when floors are wet or being cleaned
• Carry out regular maintenance and inspections
• Fix hazards like broken steps, uneven flooring and loose cables promptly
• Provide proper footwear where floors are likely to be slippery
• Train workers on how to identify and report hazards

If your employer has failed in any of these duties and you were injured as a result, they may be liable for your injuries.

Common Injuries From Workplace Falls

The injuries from a slip, trip or fall can range from minor to very serious. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones and fractures, particularly wrists, ankles, hips and collarbones
• Head injuries, including concussion and more serious traumatic brain injuries
• Back and spinal injuries, including herniated discs and nerve damage
• Knee and shoulder injuries, including torn ligaments
• Sprains and strains to ankles, wrists and other joints
• Cuts and bruising, which can sometimes be severe

Older workers and those with existing health conditions may suffer more serious harm from what might seem like a straightforward fall. A broken hip or a back injury can mean weeks or months off work and long-term pain.

How to Make a Workplace Trip or Fall Claim

If you have been injured in a slip, trip or fall at work, there are steps you should follow to protect your right to claim.

1. Report the accident. Tell your supervisor or manager straight away. Make sure it is recorded in the workplace accident book. Ask for a copy of the report if possible.

2. Get medical attention. See a doctor or go to A&E as soon as you can after the accident. A medical record linking your injuries to the incident is important evidence.

3. Gather evidence. If you can, take photographs of the hazard that caused your fall, whether that is a wet floor, a damaged step, a trailing cable or poor lighting. Note the date, time and exact location.

4. Get witness details. If anyone saw the accident happen, take their name and contact details. Witness statements can be very helpful when making a claim.

5. Keep records. Hold on to all medical reports, receipts for treatment or medication, and any correspondence with your employer about the accident. Keep a note of any time you have had to take off work.

6. Contact a solicitor. A solicitor experienced in workplace injury claims can assess your case and guide you through the process. In Ireland, personal injury claims are submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board (formerly the Personal Injuries Assessment Board) before any court proceedings.

What Compensation Could You Receive?

Compensation for a workplace trip or fall claim can cover:

• General damages for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of earnings, including past and future lost income
• Medical expenses, including treatment, physiotherapy and medication
• Travel costs related to medical appointments
• Other out-of-pocket expenses arising from your injuries

The amount depends on the severity of your injuries, how long your recovery takes and the impact on your ability to work and live your daily life.

Time Limits Apply

In Ireland, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to bring a personal injury claim. It is important not to delay. Evidence can be lost, memories fade and you could lose your right to claim if you wait too long.

Get Advice on Your Claim

If you have been injured in a trip, slip or fall at work, contact Good and Murray Smith LLP to discuss your situation. Our experienced team can help you understand your options and guide you through each step of the claims process.