Introduction
Angle grinders are powerful cutting tools used across construction, metalwork and engineering. When accidents happen, the injuries can be severe, including deep cuts, eye damage, burns and even amputations. If your injury was caused by inadequate training, defective equipment or lack of protective gear, you may be entitled to compensation.
This page explains what angle grinder injuries involve, eligibility to claim, evidence needed and how much you could claim.
At a glance
- Around 34,000 workers were injured through contact with moving machinery between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 108 per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- Common injuries include lacerations, fractures, burns, eye injuries and amputations.
- Employers must provide training, maintain equipment and enforce use of protective equipment.
- Compensation can include pain and suffering, lost wages, medical treatment and future care needs.
- You normally have three years from the accident date to begin a claim.
Report your injury. Photograph the grinder, guard and wheel markings. Note PPE used and training. Say if a permit or spark control was in place. Keep treatment details and witness names.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director (NAL)
What is an angle grinder injury?
An angle grinder injury is harm caused by the use or misuse of handheld grinding or cutting tools. Typical injuries in the workplace often result from:
- Contact with fast-spinning discs causing deep cuts or amputations.
- Sparks or fragments hitting the eyes, causing vision damage.
- Discs shattering under pressure, projecting high-speed debris.
- Burns from sparks or contact with heated surfaces.
- Electric shocks due to poorly maintained or defective tools.
Am I eligible to claim?
You can usually claim if:
- Your angle grinder accident happened at work in the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide safe equipment, PPE or proper training, and
- Medical evidence confirms your injury is linked to the accident.
If you are unsure, see Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
Compensation has two elements:
- General damages: for pain, suffering and impact on your life. Injuries from grinders can range from minor cuts to permanent disability or loss of sight, with compensation levels set by the Judicial College Guidelines.
- Special damages: financial losses such as private surgery, rehabilitation, scar treatment, lost income, future loss of earnings, care costs and equipment to support daily life. Keep payslips, invoices and medical records to support your claim.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). They must:
- Supply and maintain safe, suitable angle grinders and discs.
- Ensure guards are fitted and not removed during use.
- Provide PPE such as gloves, goggles, face shields and protective clothing.
- Train workers in correct handling, disc fitting and safe techniques.
- Carry out risk assessments and enforce safety procedures.
Failure to follow these duties may make an employer liable. See also Inadequate PPE injury claims.
Employment status and angle-grinder injury claims
Whether you’re on site, in a workshop or carrying out maintenance, you can usually claim for an angle-grinder injury if someone else was negligent. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a claim
- Accident book entries and incident reports.
- Hospital or GP records describing the injury and treatment.
- Photographs of the tool, workspace and injuries.
- Training records or evidence showing lack of training.
- Witness statements from colleagues.
- Equipment maintenance and inspection logs.
Time limits for angle grinder claims
The standard time limit is three years from the accident or from when you first realised your injury was linked to work. Exceptions apply for those under 18 or lacking mental capacity. See time limits for making a claim.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can I claim if I was not wearing PPE?
You may still be able to claim if your employer failed to provide PPE or training in it's use. Your compensation may be reduced if contributory negligence applies.
See What is contributory negligence?.
Will I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will assess the injury and future prognosis.
See What happens at a medical appointment.
What if the accident was caused by a faulty disc?
If the disc or grinder was defective, you may have a claim against the employer or manufacturer depending on circumstances.
Have you been injured at work?
If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.
Find out more about making a work accident claim:
- Do you qualify?
- How much compensation could you get?
- How does No Win, No Fee work?
Read more: Work accident claim guide
One quick call can give you clarity and confidence about your options after a work accident. A specialist advisor will:
- Give free, confidential and impartial advice
- Explain clearly how No Win, No Fee works
- Connect you with the right solicitor for your case
You're under no pressure to claim. We'll get you the right advice, when you need it.
Related reading
- Inadequate PPE injury claims
- Health and safety breach claims
- What can I claim for?
- How to gather evidence after a work accident
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- PUWER Regulations (Provision and Use of Work Equipment) 1998 - legal rules for using tools like angle grinders.
- PPE at Work Regulations 1992 - duty to provide and use personal protective equipment.
- HSE: Safety in the Use of Abrasive Wheels (HSG17) - specific guidance for safe usage of discs and safe grinding practices.
- NHS: Eye injuries - medical treatment and recovery for eye harms (like foreign bodies, cuts, burns).