Hazardous Objects in Daily Routine: On daily basis, an average person in a metropolitan area encounters many potential hazards that are unconsciously ignored and avoided. However, if the risk factor is not eliminated, sooner or later, an unfortunate situation is likely to arise. If the consequences of such omission adversely affected any other person in your property or your business place, you might face harsh penalties and a compensation claim. At all costs, such hazards should be avoided by the service provider or the employer as it is their duties. Under the laws, these duties are designed to maintain public safety and avoid any unjustness.
Potential Hazards in the Workplace
Workers injured during their employments can demand workers compensation in case an accident occurs. However, the employer has duties to obey to provide a safe working environment. If the employer could not succeed to do so, personal injury damages will have to be paid to the injured worker. Even after an accident, employer responsibilities continue. Workplace hazards should be identified before an accident occurs.
- Dangers at the workplace:
Recent statistics demonstrate that the majority of fatal workplace accidents occur from falling. In the construction yards of high-level buildings, the workers should be provided with the necessary industry-grade protective equipment. Employers sometimes declare that they’ve provided the necessary equipment to avoid liability. The gadgets and the equipment that are being used in the construction area should be suitable for up-to-date standards.
Another danger is the over usage of the workplace materials and the equipment. Escalators in the construction yards can easily if overloaded. Same applies to the other work-related materials as objects do have lifespans that should not be exceeded.
Overworking is also a well-known reason for workplace injuries. Muscles can only recover with sufficient rest. Once the muscles are weakened, even a simple hit or a bruise can lead to permanent damages.
Chemical substances can cause major health problems however, the danger can be avoided pretty simply. Industrial grade protective equipment is needed before getting into contact with any chemicals. A large number of workers suffering from lung and airway diseases such as asbestosis or silicosis mentions that protective equipment was not sufficient. ‘’Nothing happens to me’’ is a phrase used very commonly among the workers suffering critical conditions. Especially, asbestosis and silicosis develop and show the first signs years after the first exposure. A retirement with such a heart-wrenching disease is the last thing a hard-working person would plan.
Risk Encountered in Daily Routine
Grabbing a coffee before starting the day at the office is a habit that most of us enjoy. However, a cup of coffee can also change the way of one’s life. The sweeteners, cream and any other components included in the coffee can be poisonous if expired. Once again, a reasonable business would regularly check the conditions of their products, as they are aware of the potential risks posed, and it is obviously not much of a burden. The number of food poisoning incidents and the ratio of hospitalisations due to contaminated food or beverages is undeniable. Nationwide, businesses should stick to their duties strictly to avoid negative outcomes. Legally, this is defined as the duty of care. As seen in the coffee example, the duty of the business is to fulfil the order without causing any harm. More precisely, the duty of the business is the safety of the customer. The breach of duty occurs when the business or their representative employees, fail or delay to take reasonable care. The interior safety of the coffeeshop, conditions of the substances used while cooking or preparing the product, and any other potential hazards in the surrounding area are under the responsibility of the business. If there is a risk, it should be eliminated before it is too late. Otherwise, the injured person has rights to claim public liability compensation to cover his/her loss.
Compensation for Negligence-Based Actions and Omissions
Those who suffer the consequences of negligence can take legal action against the body which is liable for. If liability is proven and breach of duty is established, the court will demand the defendant to cover the loss of the plaintiff. In this situation, the loss can be economic or non-economic. Usually, in personal injury claims, lump sum compensation can be paid to those with permanent impairment. Depending on the court’s judgement, compensation can be awarded for mental injuries and past and future loss of income. If the incident ended up with a fatality, the liable party may have to cover the loss of the dependents of the deceased person.