Introduction
Warehouses are high-risk environments where heavy lifting, forklift use, moving stock and busy loading areas are part of daily operations. Accidents can happen quickly and often cause serious injuries. If your warehouse accident was caused by unsafe working conditions or employer failings, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains common warehouse accidents, employer responsibilities, what evidence strengthens your claim, and how much compensation you could receive.
At a glance
- Around 21,000 workers were injured in the transportation and storage sector between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 740 injuries per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- Common warehouse accidents include forklift collisions, manual handling injuries, slips and trips, and falling objects.
- Employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER, LOLER and Manual Handling Regulations.
- Compensation can cover pain, suffering, medical costs, lost income and rehabilitation.
- You usually have three years from the accident or diagnosis to start a claim.
Report your injury and photograph the aisle, racking and any vehicle. Note training, staffing levels and pick targets that day. Get witness names and ask for near miss and maintenance records.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a warehouse accident?
A warehouse accident is any injury sustained while working in or visiting a warehouse or distribution centre. Warehouses are busy workplaces with significant risks, from heavy machinery to slips on cluttered floors. Common accidents include:
- Forklift and pallet truck accidents – collisions, rollovers or crush injuries.
- Manual handling accidents – lifting or carrying heavy stock without training or aids.
- Slips, trips and falls – caused by wet floors, clutter or uneven surfaces.
- Falling objects – from shelves, racking or unsecured loads.
- Machinery accidents – from conveyors, wrapping machines or loading equipment.
Examples of warehouse accidents and injuries
| Accident type | Cause | Possible injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forklift collision | Poor traffic management, driver error | Fractures, crush injuries, head trauma |
| Manual handling accident | Lifting heavy stock without aids | Back strain, hernia, musculoskeletal disorder |
| Slip on wet floor | Spills or poor cleaning systems | Sprains, broken bones, back injury |
| Falling objects | Poorly stacked pallets, unsecured loads | Head injury, fractures, lacerations |
| Conveyor accident | Inadequate guarding or training | Lacerations, crush injuries, amputations |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your warehouse accident happened in the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide safe equipment, training, supervision, PPE or safe systems of work, and
- Medical evidence confirms your injury and its link to the accident.
If you are unsure, start with Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a warehouse 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 responsible under the Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER regulations, LOLER regulations and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations. Employers must:
- Provide training in manual handling, forklift driving and machinery operation.
- Carry out risk assessments and implement safe systems of work.
- Maintain machinery, vehicles and storage systems.
- Provide PPE such as safety boots, helmets and gloves.
- Keep walkways clear and floors in safe condition.
If these duties are ignored, your employer may be liable. See also Health and safety breach claims.
Employment status and warehouse accident claims
A claim is typically possible if negligence is proven, whatever your contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a warehouse accident claim
- Medical records describing your injury and treatment.
- Accident book entries and incident reports.
- Maintenance and inspection records for vehicles and machinery.
- Training and PPE records.
- Witness statements and photographs of the accident site.
Time limits for warehouse accident claims
The standard time limit is three years from the accident date or from when you realised your injury was caused by unsafe workplace conditions (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply for children and those lacking capacity. See time limits for claims.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can agency or temporary warehouse workers make a claim?
Yes. All workers, including agency staff, are entitled to a safe workplace. See Agency worker claims.
Can I claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes. You may still claim, but compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence. See What is contributory negligence?.
Do I need to attend a medical appointment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your injuries and provide a report to help value your claim. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Have you been injured at work?
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.
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: Warehousing and storage safety - provides comprehensive guidance on health and safety practices in warehouses to prevent accidents and injuries.
- HSE: Manual handling at work - offers advice on safe manual handling practices to reduce injury risks in warehouse environments.
- HSE: LOLER regulations - outlines the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, ensuring safe use of lifting equipment in warehouses.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains the process for claiming compensation for injuries sustained in warehouse accidents.