The most common accidents & injuries in factories

Slips, trips and falls in factories are some of the major types of workplace accidents in this industry. These types of accidents can occur due to, for example:

• spilt liquid which is not adequately cleared up
• water puddles 
• grease puddles
• oil patches 
• lack of signage to warn people of a spill
• unlevel flooring
• dangerous ladders
• dusty surfaces
• spilt food and drink
• poor factory design

Slips and trips in factories can cause, for example:

• broken bones
• injuries to the spine
• bad head injuries

Wearing non-slip footwear can help prevent a slip or trip in factories.

Accidents and injuries in factories can also be caused due to falls from height. They are the most common reasons for workplace accidents in the UK. Factory workers may need to use ladders, for example, as part of their role, and falling from one can cause severe injuries. Other examples of falls from height include:

• falls from platforms
• falls from roofs
• falling through a fragile roof
• falling into an opening in the ground

In some cases, if a worker falls on their head in a factory accident, this can cause brain injury or even death. 

A typical accident which can occur in a factory often involves equipment and machinery. Equipment and machinery are commonplace in factories and can cause accidents with very serious injuries. Workers can get caught in equipment and machinery which can cause, for example:

• dislocations
• fractures
• losing a limb 

Poor maintenance of equipment and machinery can be a reason for these types of accidents in factories. It can also be because equipment is overused and worn out.

Accidents and injuries in factories can be due to harmful substance exposure. Chemicals are common in factories and an accident such as a burn can occur when, for example:

• a worker does not have the right protective equipment
• pipes and machinery break
• a worker inhales substances such as hydrofluoric acid
• chemicals are incorrectly labelled
• during the transportation of chemicals.

Accidents in the workplace with chemicals can cause:

• dermatitis
• asthma
• loss of hearing
• loss of sight
• asbestos-related problems.

Factory workers often have to lift large or heavy objects. Not lifting them correctly, or not using the correct equipment to do so, can cause an accident and injury in a factory. For example, a painful back injury or a neck injury. Manual handling accidents can also occur due to employees not being aware of the right lifting techniques.

Fatigue is a common reason for accidents and injuries while working in a factory. Factory workers may work long hours and fatigue can cause errors in work which lead to accidents. If workers do not get the correct rest break, fatigue can creep in and cause a lack of adherence to the right safety standards. 

Over-exertion can also cause accidents and injuries in factories, and both over-exertion and fatigue can cause workers to feel and behave as if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

Repetitive strains are a common injury in factories. Often factory workers find their job requires them to carry out the same task time and time again. Additionally, there are other reasons repetitive strain injuries can occur such as:

• staying in the same position for a long time
• use of vibrating equipment
• using a certain muscle group too much

Often factory workers are in the same area as moving vehicles and collisions between the two can occur. Forklift accidents are commonplace and can cause people to get stuck or crushed by the vehicle. Unfortunately, as these are particularly dangerous they can result in serious injuries or even death.

A further reason for accidents involving moving vehicles is that when operating in the factory they collide with poorly placed obstacles on the floor. 

If you have a workplace accident in a factory, it is crucial that as an employee or worker, you know what to do. Factory accidents can include:

• muscle damage
• broken bones
• hearing loss
• sight loss

If you have an accident at work such as in a factory, you should ensure firstly that you get the medical care needed. You should also make sure the accident injury is recorded by your employer such as in a factory accident book.

Gather as much evidence for your accident or injury in the workplace in case you wish to make a compensation claim where one may be due. For example get:

• witness details;
• photos of what happened and where;
• records of your financial loss as a result of the accident or injury. 

^{Last updated 30.05.23}