Ill Fitting Council Uniform Results in PPE Compensation Claim

A local authority employee has received £5,000 in compensation after falling victim to a spinal injury caused by his ill fitting, council-issued uniform.This information comes after a Freedom of Information request was submitted; later revealing the details behind a variety of claims made against Northamptonshire County Council. In this particular case, the council admitted negligence, acknowledging the tightness of the workers uniform.

In this particular case, the issue of ill-fitting, yet mandatory uniform is a breach of health and safety regulations. Employers have a duty to provide suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimise the risks to their staff; yet in this case the issue of unsuitable uniform led to a PPE Accident; leaving the victim well within his rights to make a claim for PPE compensation.

The details show that Northampton County Council has paid out over £500,000 to claimants between April 2006 and March 2011; with 50 successful cases being made. The biggest, most successful claim, saw £100,000 in damages awarded to an employee who was struck on the knee by a pupil who was wielding a piece of wood. Another case saw £200 awarded to a worker who fell victim to a hand injury caused by a ’large splinter’.  

A spokesperson for Northampton County Council stated that all negligence claims are submitted to a “rigorous assessment process... we also have procedures in place if things go wrong to ensure any lessons are learned”; so payments are only ever made if the council’s negligence can be proven.

Stafford County Council on the other hand has paid out over £75,000 to motorists for damage caused to cars due to potholes and road surface damage over the past two years, according to the Burton Mail.

Mr Imran Akram, Managing Director of Asons Solicitors stated that:

“Employers have a legal duty of care to their employees, where this is neglected and someone suffers an injury as a result, the victim is entitled to make a personal injury claim. We deal with a variety of claims on a daily basis, from cases arising due to PPE Accidents through to Forklift Accident Compensation. So we would advise anyone who has been injured in an accident at work, to seek out the aid of a Personal Injury Solicitor in case they are entitled to damages” 

According to the Law Gazette, these claims are only going to become more expensive for those who neglect their legal duties, as the Jackson reforms recommend a 10% increase in general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity; a figure that will be added to all judgments given after 1 April 2013.

“Councils are often at greater risk than normal businesses. Not only do they have to protect their employees, but they also have a greater responsibility to the general public; having to keep roads clear, ensuring busy thoroughfares are safe... There are a lot of risks that they need to consider. Where they fail in their legal obligations, we’re on hand to provide support to victims, making the claims process as simple and as easy as possible” adds Mr Akram. 

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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.

For further information contact:
Email: info@asons.co.uk
Website: www.asons.co.uk

Contact Information

Imran Akram

Managing Director

Asons Solicitors

(44) 0844 850 1062

imran.akram@asons.co.uk