Analysis focuses on role of unions in injury claims

A new HSE report highlights the role played by unions in securing compensation for workers who suffer injury at work.

The report, Analysis of compensation claims related to health and safety issues, was produced by System Concepts for the HSE.

It used data from a number of unions including train drivers' union ASLEF, community union ISTC, general union T&G, public services union UNISON and shopworkers' union Usdaw.

The main types of claim were for slips, trips and falls, manual handling, exposure to noise and stress.

The main regulations breached were the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Noise at Work Regulations 1989.

The study found that claims on average take two years to complete, but could take anything between one month and nine years.

The report recommends that unions use a standardised procedure for recording claims, as this would enable the HSE to get a more comprehensive picture of how the process operates.

The report (RR070) is available for £15 from HSE Books or free from www.hse.gov.uk