Introduction
Factories are busy environments with heavy machinery, moving vehicles, and manual handling tasks. These conditions create significant risks for workers, and accidents can lead to serious injuries or long-term health problems. If you were injured in a factory accident and your employer failed to protect you, you may be entitled to compensation. This page explains common factory accidents, employer responsibilities, evidence that helps your case, and how much compensation you could claim.
At a glance
- Around 18,000 workers were injured in the manufacturing sector between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 700 injuries per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- Factory accidents often involve machinery, forklifts, manual handling, falls, and exposure to hazardous substances.
- Employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER and COSHH regulations.
- Compensation can cover pain, suffering, lost income, medical treatment and long-term care.
- The time limit is usually three years from the accident or diagnosis.
What is a factory accident?
A factory accident is any injury sustained while working in a manufacturing or industrial setting. Hazards include dangerous machinery, moving loads, chemicals, and slips or falls. Common examples include:
- Machinery accidents – entanglement, crush injuries, or amputations caused by unguarded or faulty machines.
- Forklift accidents – collisions, rollovers or pedestrians being struck by vehicles.
- Slips, trips and falls – often from wet floors, cluttered walkways or uneven surfaces.
- Manual handling injuries – back strain or musculoskeletal disorders caused by heavy or awkward lifting.
- Exposure to hazardous substances – contact with chemicals, fumes or dust without adequate protection.
Examples of factory accidents and injuries
| Accident type | Cause | Possible injury |
|---|---|---|
| Machinery entanglement | Unguarded moving parts | Amputation, crush injuries, lacerations |
| Forklift collision | Poor training or traffic management | Fractures, spinal injuries, head trauma |
| Slip or trip | Spilled liquids or obstructed walkways | Sprains, broken bones, back injuries |
| Manual handling | Lifting heavy or awkward loads | Back strain, hernia, chronic pain |
| Chemical exposure | Lack of PPE or COSHH procedures | Burns, dermatitis, respiratory illness |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your factory accident happened in the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide safe equipment, training, supervision, or PPE, and
- Medical evidence links your injury to the accident or workplace conditions.
Not sure? See Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a factory accident 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 are legally required under the Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER regulations, and COSHH regulations to provide a safe workplace. Duties include:
- Regularly inspecting and maintaining machinery and vehicles.
- Providing training and supervision for factory workers.
- Ensuring PPE such as gloves, helmets and safety shoes is available and enforced.
- Carrying out risk assessments and implementing safe systems of work.
- Managing traffic and pedestrian routes safely within the factory.
If employers fail in these duties, they may be liable. See Health and safety breach injury claims.
Evidence that strengthens a factory accident claim
- Accident book entries and incident investigation reports.
- Medical records confirming diagnosis and treatment.
- Maintenance logs and safety inspection records.
- Training and PPE records from your employer.
- Witness statements and photographs of the accident site.
Time limits for factory accident claims
You normally have three years from the accident date or the date you realised your injury was linked to unsafe working conditions (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply if you were under 18 or lack capacity. Learn more in time limits for claims.
FAQs
What if I was injured using faulty machinery?
You may be able to claim under PUWER regulations. See Defective work equipment injury claims.
Our work injury advisors will:
- Offer free, impartial advice
- Explain how No Win, No Fee works
- Recommend the right solicitor
External references
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - outlines the process for claiming compensation for injuries sustained in factory accidents.
- HSE: Workplace injury statistics - offers data on factory-related accidents, useful for understanding risks and supporting injury claims.
- Acas: Health and safety - provides guidance on employer responsibilities to ensure safe working conditions in factories, relevant to accident claims.
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 September 2025 by Chris Salmon