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Case study · Accident at work
£15,000 Compensation After a Colleague Restarted a Jammed Conveyor
Our client, a warehouse worker, was clearing a jammed conveyor that had been switched off. Before he had finished, a co-worker switched it back on, ignoring the training they'd been given, and our client's hand was caught. He suffered deep cuts to two fingers, which still affect him today. NJS Law, the firm behind Injuries Direct, brought the claim against the employer's insurer and secured £15,000 in compensation.
How an employer was held responsible when a co-worker restarted machinery, and what it means if you've been hurt by machinery that wasn't made safe.
- Claim type
- Accident at work
- Job
- Warehouse worker
- Cause
- A co-worker restarted a jammed conveyor
- Injuries
- Deep cuts to two fingers, which still affect him
- Claim made against
- The employer's insurer
What happened
Our client worked in a warehouse. One of the conveyors jammed, and he was asked to clear it. The conveyor was switched off before he started, as it should have been.
Before he had finished, a co-worker switched it back on, ignoring the training they had been given on clearing jams safely. Our client's hand was caught in the moving conveyor.
The injuries
The accident left our client with injuries to his hand.
- Deep cuts to two of his fingers
- Injuries that still affect him today
How we helped
Solicitors at NJS Law brought the claim against the employer's insurer. Employers have a duty to make sure machinery is safely isolated before anyone works on it, and they are responsible for the actions of their staff while at work.
- The claimBrought against the employer's insurer, as the employer is responsible for the actions of its staff at work.
- Medical evidenceWe arranged independent medical evidence on the injuries to our client's fingers and how they continue to affect him.
- NegotiationWe negotiated with the insurer until the claim was resolved.
- The outcomeCompensation of £15,000.
Key facts in this case
- Our client was asked to clear a jammed conveyor
- The conveyor was switched off before he started, as it should have been
- A co-worker switched it back on before he had finished
- The co-worker ignored the training they'd been given on clearing jams safely
Every claim is different, and the outcome of your claim will depend on your circumstances.
What this case shows about machinery injuries at work
If you've been hurt by machinery at work, these are the points that matter most.
Machinery must be made safe first
Before anyone clears a jam or works on machinery, it should be switched off and isolated so it can't start up again, under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
Employers answer for their staff
Employers are responsible for the actions of their staff while at work. If a co-worker's mistake injures you, your claim is usually made against your employer, not your colleague.
Training only works if it's followed
Employers must train staff to use equipment safely. In this case, the co-worker ignored the training they'd been given on clearing jams.
Your employer's insurer pays
Employers must have employers' liability insurance by law, so compensation is paid by their insurer rather than out of your employer's own pocket.
Hurt by machinery at work? Find out if you can claim
Whether your injury is serious or minor, our team will talk it through with you for free and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis.
- Free, no-obligation first conversation
- No win, no fee on eligible claims
- Specialist accident at work solicitors
- Clear, supportive guidance throughout your claim
Prefer to talk now? 0330 818 1202
Machinery injury at work claims: FAQs
Can I claim if a colleague caused my accident at work?
Yes, you may be able to. Employers are responsible for the actions of their staff while at work, so the claim is usually made against your employer, and paid by their insurer, rather than against your colleague personally.
Should machinery be switched off before a jam is cleared?
Yes. Machinery should be switched off and made safe before anyone clears a jam or works on it, so it can't start while someone's hands are inside. If that didn't happen and you were hurt, you may be able to claim.
What if my injury still affects me?
Tell us. Independent medical evidence looks at how your injury affects you now and how it may affect you in future, and your compensation takes that into account.
How much compensation could I receive?
It depends on how serious your injuries are, how long they affect you and what they've cost you, such as lost earnings and treatment. In this case, our client received £15,000. See our accident at work claims page for typical compensation ranges.
Will claiming against my employer affect my job?
Employers must have employers' liability insurance, so compensation is paid by their insurer. Most employers understand that a claim is a normal part of how injuries at work are dealt with. If you're worried about how your employer will react, talk to us and we'll explain your options.
Is there a time limit for an accident at work claim?
You usually have three years from the date of your accident to start a claim. There are exceptions, for example for children and people who lack mental capacity, so get in touch even if your accident was some time ago.
Hurt at work by machinery that wasn't made safe?
Talk to our accident at work team for free, with no obligation to claim. Eligible claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis.