Even with the best possible circumstances, it is possible to become injured while working. Suffering a debilitating injury can sometimes make it impossible for that person to work again, but even with milder injuries, there is a chance that the injured person will end up out of work for a number of days or weeks.

Knowing how to claim compensation in case this happens to you can help you be prepared for an eventual misfortune and protect your family from financial hardship.

Firstly, it is important to know that under UK law, every employer has a duty to provide their workers with certain guarantees when it comes to the conditions under which they work. If these conditions are not provided, then the employer may be negligent which is grounds for a claim.

The employer has to provide safe way to work. In some cases, there may be harmful or hazardous substances on the premises or the procedures performed may be inherently dangerous. If this is the case, the employer has to make an effort to advise all employees of the safest way in which to work, and how to avoid accidents. There has to be safety equipment, and employees must be trained in how to properly perform their jobs.

The employer also must provide safe place for the employees to work. There should be enough adequate lighting, ventilation, and the space should be free of any dangerous obstacles. Employers are even required to make sure that the car park adjacent to their premises is made safe and well lit for their employees.

The employer is also responsible to ensure, to the best of his or her ability, that the other staff is well-trained and competent. You should not be put at risk by actions of an incompetent coworker. If you are injured due to the actions of other people at work, your employer could be held responsible. Even if the reason for the irresponsible employee's work is a drinking or drugs problem, the employer must make sure that they aren't endangering others.

There also must be suitable materials with which to work, and safe and working equipment. The employer not only has to maintain and inspect all equipment and tools, but he or she also must make sure that this equipment is used correctly through training and continuing supervision.

If the employer fails in providing these basic safety requirements, they might be negligent and be held liable for an injury at work. How to claim compensation in that case will start with reporting of the initial incident. Any accident, no matter how small it seems has to be reported and logged in the employer's accident book. Very serious injuries need to be reported to the Incident Contact Centre of the Health and Safety Executive.

It's very important to report your injury as soon as it happens. Waiting until after could jeopardize your chances of a successful claim. In case that you cannot work due to your injury, you are entitled to statutory sick pay which can be paid for up to twenty-eight weeks.

Some people might feel that to bring a compensation claim against their employer will harm their chances of a successful career afterwards. Some people are even scared of possible repercussions of a more serious variety if this happens. These fears are unfounded.

By law, employers are obliged to have Employer's Liability Insurance, which means that they will not suffer because of your compensation claim. The insurance is there for precisely this purpose, and will pay all costs associated with your injury.

It's also very important to remember that it would be not only wrong, but criminally wrong that a company or any its employee try to bar you from collecting what are your guarantees under the law. As with any legal matter, it is advised that you do contact a solicitor if you feel that you might need to file a claim in court.

Many accidents happen at work, and most of them happen through no fault of the worker. Some are simply accidents, but the law has provided these safety valves to account for the unpredictability of such things. There is no reason to lose your livelihood, your job, or worse yet, your life or quality of life due to an accident at work.

Having an accident also doesn't mean that you must lose your dignity. Accidents can happen through no fault of your own, and sometimes employers cut corners where they shouldn't, not considering their workers. If this happens, knowing how to claim compensation is going to be vital.