Injured at work

FBaby

Is it actually the case that anyone would have to go down the stairs first to reach the light switch? (because it doesn't make much sense!) AND that there is indeed no light coming from anywhere else (window, light from the shop if the door is kept open etc...)

paddyrg

Before seeing a solicitor though, try resolving it amicably with the employer - it will be a lot cheaper for them than the moment the 'wechaseanyambulance4u' hoard get their hands on it, they may actually be grateful when they reflect on it!

patman99

Has she put it in the accident book ?. They do have one don't they ?.

Hmm71

McKneff wrote: »

To be honest, if you are going to fall down some steps, youre gonna fall down them whether the light is on or not.

Presumably the steps are lit anyway from the shop lighting, if as you say there are only 2 steps.If she had fallen over something in the darkened room, it would have been a different matter.

Not sure that she has a leg to stand on to be honest. (no pn intended)

I was thinking this as well MckNeff, especially after I read she had worked there for ten years, surely she knows where the steps are by now so whether the light was on or off shouldn't make any difference.

The last flat I lived in was a maisonette with three flights of stairs down to the bathroom. I managed to get down them in the middle of the night in the dark without breaking my neck.

Having said that the shop owner ought to install some energy saving light bulbs or lights on a timer switch or something. It's a bit ridiculous to get so obsessive about switching the lights off in a workplace, especially if some poor sod is in the stockroom at the time.

I hope your partner can get it sorted out OP and I hope she gets better soon.

dickydonkin

Hmm71 wrote: »

I was thinking this as well MckNeff, especially after I read she had worked there for ten years, surely she knows where the steps are by now so whether the light was on or off shouldn't make any difference.

That won't wash I'm afraid - what about a new starter? Would the employer leave the light on for a new recruit but not for long term employees? - of course not.

As I have indicated on another thread, familiarity does not prevent accidents and should not be used as an excuse not to implement precautions. A 'collective control measure' - i.e. a precaution that reduces/eliminates a risk for everyone (decent lighting in this case) would likely have prevented this injury.

Even if 'she knew' where the steps were, suitable lighting would ensure that she (and others) would have seen any spillages, obstructions or tripping hazards on the stairs that may have manifested in the area.

Remember, this was an access to a storage area where items will also be carried up and down the stairs - so it is not just a case of using the steps for access only.

The OP did also state that she 'slipped' not tripped or missed her footing - were the stairs contaminated or wet?

Regardless, they should have been suitably illuminated for ALL users - irrespective of how familiar they are with the premises and based on the OP's account of the incident, it would seem that the duty holder was indeed negligent.

Hmm71

dickydonkin wrote: »

That won't wash I'm afraid - what about a new starter? Would the employer leave the light on for a new recruit but not for long term employees? - of course not.

As I have indicated on another thread, familiarity does not prevent accidents and should not be used as an excuse not to implement precautions. A 'collective control measure' - i.e. a precaution that reduces/eliminates a risk for everyone (decent lighting in this case) would likely have prevented this injury.

Even if 'she knew' where the steps were, suitable lighting would ensure that she (and others) would have seen any spillages, obstructions or tripping hazards on the stairs that may have manifested in the area.

Remember, this was an access to a storage area where items will also be carried up and down the stairs - so it is not just a case of using the steps for access only.

The OP did also state that she 'slipped' not tripped or missed her footing - were the stairs contaminated or wet?

Regardless, they should have been suitably illuminated for ALL users - irrespective of how familiar they are with the premises and based on the OP's account of the incident, it would seem that the duty holder was indeed negligent.

Yes, quite, that's why I also said in my post that the employer should install energy saving bulbs or timer switches.

dickydonkin

Hmm71 wrote: »

Yes, quite, that's why I also said in my post that the employer should install energy saving bulbs or timer switches.

But wouldn't a timer switch need to be set during the hours of operation so you may as well leave the existing light on anyway and switch it off at the close of business?

Motion sensor lights would likely be the best option as these will activate only when the room is accessed and would offer an added benefit if someone is carrying stock and is unable to switch on the light via a switch.

Some energy saving bulbs take quite a while to achieve their optimum luminance and may not be suitable for intermittent use in a poorly lit area with steps.

Without seeing the steps in question, it is difficult to determine what the best option would be for that particular area, but as an accident has already occurred with poor lighting perceived as a contributory factor, then if I was the employer, I would get it sorted now.

Hmm71

dickydonkin wrote: »

But wouldn't a timer switch need to be set during the hours of operation so you may as well leave the existing light on anyway and switch it off at the close of business?

Motion sensor lights would likely be the best option as these will activate only when the room is accessed and would offer an added benefit if someone is carrying stock and is unable to switch on the light via a switch.

Some energy saving bulbs take quite a while to achieve their optimum luminance and may not be suitable for intermittent use in a poorly lit area with steps.

Without seeing the steps in question, it is difficult to determine what the best option would be for that particular area, but as an accident has already occurred with poor lighting perceived as a contributory factor, then if I was the employer, I would get it sorted now.

I was thinking of the kind of timer switches that probably aren't actually called timer switches at all. The landlord has installed them in the stairway of the flats I'm living in. It's a large white plastic button you push in to turn the light on then it pops out after a while to turn the light off.

ohreally

A PIR would likely be a solution (it will incorporate a timer as well).