We are personal injury solicitors specialising in claiming compensation for clients injured in office accidents. Catherine Smith has experience with all types of work injury claims, and introduces our services in this short video.

Read more about office work accidents below, or use our free legal advice service opposite to ask us a question or to get started making a claim.

Office Accident Compensation

Office environments have traditionally been viewed as among the safest of places to work. Over the years however the number of people working in offices has risen exponentially along with the number of hours workers spend in the office. At the same time personal space in offices has been consistently reduced, office equipment has increased in size and complexity, and working practices have become sedentary. All these factors have combined to heighten the risk of office accidents.

Apart from accidents such as slips and trips, the real statistics that should worry employers are those showing that up to two thirds of office workers suffer from some form of repetitive strain injury (RSI). Until employers take radical measures to reduce this epidemic, they face the prospect of a blizzard of compensation claims from injured employees over the next 20-30 years. Because a large number of office accidents go unreported official figures should be treated with care. However, a six year study compiled by the HSE sheds light on the major causes of office injuries.

What Causes Accidents In Offices?

Repetitive Strain Injury From Office Work

The other major category of injuries affecting office workers are those that develop over time, related to excessive small repetitive motions in the upper body which cause conditions known collectively as repetitive strain injury (RSI). Often these conditions are due to the poor ergonomics of seating and computer work stations, which force employees to adopt awkward postures while performing tasks such as typing. This can place constant strain on muscles and tendons in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, elbows, wrists, thumbs and fingers.

Deterioration in the muscles and tendons can cause permanent nerve damage, as well as other RSI related medical conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Offices are often high pressure environments with employees subject to considerable mental stress. These conditions will cause further tension in the body's muscles, tendons and soft tissues. Office workers also increasingly use laptops, tablets and mobile devices outside the office and on the move, which places additional strain on the back, neck, wrists and thumbs.

The Benefits Of Using A Firm Of No Win No Fee Solicitors

Office Accident Compensation Claims

An employer must take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of office accidents occurring. Floors and stairs should be maintained in good condition, and kept free from obstacles and obstructions. Regular risk assessments should be carried out to identify and eliminate potential hazards. Machinery and office equipment must also be adequately maintained and subject to regular checks. Safety measures should be put in place and appropriate office equipment provided, wrist rests for use with computer keyboards for example, to reduce the risk of repetitive strain conditions developing. Workers should also receive proper training in posture and workstation ergonomics.

Bartletts Solicitors are specialists in handling office accident and injury compensation claims. We operate on a no win no fee basis meaning if you win your case your employer's insurance company will pay all of your legal fees, and if you lose you will not pay a penny.

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