Introduction
Workplace machinery is essential in construction, agriculture, warehousing and manufacturing. However, when machinery is poorly maintained, lacks safety guards, or staff are not trained properly, the risk of serious injury rises sharply. If you have been injured in a machinery accident at work and employer negligence was a factor, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains common machinery accidents, employer responsibilities, evidence that helps 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)
- Dangerous machinery accidents can cause crush injuries, amputations, burns and fatalities.
- Employers must comply with PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) and maintain safe equipment.
- Compensation can include pain and suffering, lost wages, rehabilitation costs and future care.
- You normally have three years from the accident date to start a claim.
Report the incident at once. Photograph the machine, guards and controls, and keep any defective parts. Note training, supervision and permits. Maintenance and inspection records can also help your claim.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a machinery injury?
A machinery injury is any harm caused by the use, misuse or malfunction of workplace equipment. These accidents often involve powerful moving parts, sharp edges or electrical hazards. Common types include:
- Crush injuries – when limbs or clothing are caught in moving machinery.
- Amputations – from unguarded cutting or pressing machinery.
- Burns – from hot machinery parts, sparks or chemical exposure.
- Electrical injuries – from faulty wiring or lack of insulation.
- Struck-by injuries – caused by falling or moving machine parts.
Examples of machinery accidents and injuries
| Accident type | Cause | Possible injury |
|---|---|---|
| Entanglement | Loose clothing caught in rotating machinery | Fractures, crush injuries, amputations |
| Unguarded cutting machine | No safety guard or faulty guard mechanism | Severe lacerations, finger or hand amputation |
| Faulty press machine | Poor maintenance or inadequate inspection | Crush injuries, nerve damage |
| Electrical fault | Exposed wiring, lack of testing | Electric shock, burns, cardiac injury |
| Moving load accident | Machine parts or materials falling unexpectedly | Head injuries, spinal damage, fractures |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your machinery accident occurred within the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide training, maintenance, guards, PPE or safe systems of work, and
- Medical evidence confirms your injury and its link to the accident.
Not sure? See Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a dangerous machinery injury claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). They must:
- Ensure machinery is regularly inspected, tested and maintained.
- Provide adequate training and supervision for machine operators.
- Fit and maintain protective guards on dangerous parts.
- Carry out risk assessments and implement safe systems of work.
- Provide PPE where appropriate, such as gloves, goggles or ear protection.
If employers fail in these duties, they may be liable. See also Health and safety breach injury claims.
Employment status and dangerous work machinery claims
Your right to claim generally doesn’t depend on your contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a claim
- Accident book entries and investigation reports.
- Medical records and photographs of injuries.
- Maintenance and inspection records of the machinery.
- Training records and safety certificates.
- Witness statements from colleagues.
Time limits for machinery injury claims
You normally have three years from the date of the accident or the date you realised your injury was linked to unsafe machinery (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply for those under 18 or lacking capacity. Learn more in time limits for injury claims.
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 trained on the machine?
Yes. Lack of training is a strong indicator of employer negligence.
What if the machinery was hired from another company?
Your employer still has a duty to ensure equipment is safe. Liability may also involve the hire company depending on circumstances.
Do I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your injury and provide a report to support your claim. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Call now for free specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.
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
- HSE: Crane safety and lifting operations - guidance on planning, supervision and safe crane use.
- HSE: LOLER regulations - legal rules for examination & safe operation of lifting equipment.
- HSE: PUWER regulations - requirements for provision & use of work equipment safely.
- HSE: Safe use of lifting equipment (LOLER Approved Code L113) - guide to comply with lifting equipment regulations.
- NHS: Accidents and First Aid - what to do immediately after a serious work-equipment injury.