A woman who cut herself whilst using a knife at work has been awarded compensation because ongoing training in the use of knives was not provided by her employer.

 

The claimant regularly used a fish knife to open tied bags at work. The employer had provided leaflets which explained that when using knives, employees should always cut in a direction away from their bodies. Unfortunately, because space was limited, workers stood close to one another and it was not thought safe to do this. As a result, the common practice in the workplace was to cut towards the body. This fact was well known to the employer.

 

The judge found that the employer had made no effort to ensure the continuing safety of employees. There should have been an ongoing system for checking employee practice along with further instructions in the safe use of the knives. Undisclosed damages were awarded, although the amount was reduced on the ground that the claimant was partly responsible for the accident.

 

If you are injured as a result of dangerous practices in the workplace, you could be entitled to compensation. Employers have a duty of care towards their employees in continuing to ensure that tools, equipment and working practices are safe.