Introduction
Industrial workplaces such as factories, plants, warehouses and construction sites often involve heavy machinery, hazardous substances and high-risk environments. When health and safety standards are not met, accidents can result in life-changing injuries. If you suffered an industrial accident injury and your employer was at fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains common industrial accidents, employer responsibilities, the evidence you need, and how much you could claim.
At a glance
- Around 561,000 workers reported non-fatal workplace injuries between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 1,760 per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- Industrial accidents often involve machinery, vehicles, falls, chemical exposure and manual handling injuries.
- Employers must follow the Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER, LOLER and COSHH regulations.
- Compensation can cover pain, suffering, lost income, rehabilitation and long-term care costs.
- The standard time limit for claims is three years from the accident or diagnosis.
What is an industrial accident?
An industrial accident is any injury that occurs in a high-risk industrial setting, such as construction sites, power plants, factories or warehouses. These environments often involve complex machinery, hazardous materials and high volumes of vehicle traffic. Common accidents include:
- Machinery accidents – entanglement, crush injuries and amputations from unguarded or defective machines.
- Falls from height – scaffolding, ladders or platforms without proper protection.
- Forklift and vehicle accidents – collisions, overturns and pedestrian injuries.
- Chemical exposure – to toxic fumes, dust, solvents or corrosive materials without adequate COSHH controls.
- Manual handling injuries – back strain, hernias and musculoskeletal disorders from heavy lifting.
See: HSE: Health and safety guidance by industry and HSE: Construction safety.
Examples of industrial accidents and injuries
| Accident type | Cause | Potential injury |
|---|---|---|
| Machinery entanglement | Unguarded moving parts | Amputations, crush injuries, lacerations |
| Fall from scaffolding | No guardrails, unsafe assembly | Fractures, head injury, spinal damage |
| Forklift collision | Poor traffic management, driver error | Broken bones, multiple trauma |
| Chemical spill | No PPE or inadequate COSHH controls | Burns, respiratory illness, dermatitis |
| Heavy lifting accident | Lack of manual handling training | Back strain, musculoskeletal disorders |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be eligible if:
- Your industrial accident happened in the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide safe equipment, training, PPE, or safe systems of work, and
- Medical evidence confirms your injury and its link to the workplace accident.
If you are unsure, see Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of an industrial accident 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 are legally responsible under the Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER regulations, LOLER regulations and COSHH regulations. They must:
- Inspect and maintain machinery and vehicles.
- Provide training and certification for operators of machinery and lifting equipment.
- Carry out risk assessments and implement safe systems of work.
- Provide PPE such as helmets, gloves, respirators and safety boots.
- Monitor exposure to hazardous substances and ensure adequate ventilation.
If these duties are breached, the employer may be liable. See also Health and safety breach claims.
Evidence that strengthens an industrial accident claim
- Medical records describing your injury and treatment.
- Accident book entries and incident investigation reports.
- Maintenance and inspection logs for equipment.
- PPE provision and training records.
- Witness statements and photographs of the accident site.
Time limits for industrial accident claims
The standard time limit is three years from the accident date or from when you realised your injury was linked to unsafe workplace conditions (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply for children and people lacking capacity. See time limits for claims.
FAQs
Can agency or contract workers claim after an industrial accident?
Yes. Agency and contract staff have the same right to a safe workplace. See Agency worker injury claims.
What if more than one company was involved?
Liability may be shared between employers, site operators and contractors. A solicitor can help identify the correct party to claim against.
Do I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will confirm your injury and long-term impact. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Next steps
If you suffered an industrial accident injury, you may be entitled to benefits and compensation. See benefits after a workplace accident and speak with a solicitor about starting your claim.
Our work injury advisors will:
- Offer free, impartial advice
- Explain how No Win, No Fee works
- Recommend the right solicitor
External references
- HSE: Construction safety - provides guidance on health and safety practices in industrial settings, including construction, to prevent workplace accidents.
- HSE: Work equipment and machinery - offers advice on safe use and maintenance of industrial machinery to reduce injury risks.
- HSE: COSHH regulations - details the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, relevant for managing chemical hazards in industrial workplaces.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains the process for claiming compensation for injuries sustained in industrial accidents.
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