MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 11/24/09 -- Construction accident claims solicitors First Personal Injury say that despite figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showing a significant reduction in the number of people killed, injured or suffering work related illnesses from April 2008 to March 2009, statistics are still showing that accidents on construction sites have the highest rates of fatal injuries.

First Personal Injury Partner, Michael Jefferies comments: "Over the past year there were 53 deaths following accidents on construction sites and HSE statistics show that reported construction site injuries were mainly caused by falls from heights, falling objects, contact with moving machinery, collapses/overturns and electrocution. Construction companies must ensure that they are aware of all the main issues regarding risk assessment and be should be reminded that, following amendments to the Health & Safety Offences Act 2008, it is obligatory to comply with health and safety regulations. Risk assessment in the workplace, understanding current legislation, obtaining the necessary equipment from a huge range of personal protective equipment (PPE) available and then providing adequate training as well can be a daunting task for an employer. However, it is the legal responsibility of an employer to provide a safe working environment and right equipment."

Working at height on a roof or on scaffolding is still the biggest single cause of serious and fatal injuries, according to the HSE. According to their report, the Executive inspected 1759 sites and 2145 contractors in March 2009. Of those sites inspected, 265 Prohibition Notices were issued on work at height. This demonstrates that there are still some contractors who are still not taking the dangers seriously. In 11 of the 1,759 sites inspected, conditions were considered to be so poor that prosecution is now being considered. The HSE also found that one in six sites were failing to address work at height risks, leaving workers vulnerable to serious injury or even death in the event of a fall.

Although preventable, construction accidents change the lives of the injured and their families and it is important that when a construction accident occurs, the injured party receives the correct compensation.

If you have had an accident on a building site resulting in an injury you may wish to consider claiming compensation for the injury, expenses and other losses. There are numerous types of injury, damage or loss for which compensation might by obtained. First Personal Injury has negotiated hundreds of construction accident claims.

To pursue a building site accident claim, you will need supporting evidence. You should keep a note of:

- Where and how the building site accident occurred

- Names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses

- What was said by any parties at the time of the accident.

- Any symptoms you have suffered following the accident.

- Treatment you have received, together with details of the treating doctors

- Things you were unable to do as a result of your injury

- Care/assistance given by members of your family or for which you have had to pay.

Keep details of all expenses relating to the construction accident and retain receipts where applicable. Also keep a note of any losses you have suffered, for example loss of earnings. You should be able to substantiate these claims with pay slips.

Providing as much relevant information as possible will help in pursuing your construction accident claim.

The solicitors at First Personal Injury are members of the Law Society and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Call First Personal Injury on 0800 014 1629 for a free construction accident claims advice, with no obligation or visit their website http://www.firstpersonalinjury.co.uk/

About First Personal Injury

First Personal Injury is a trading name of Jefferies LLP one of the UK's leading personal injury law firms. Jefferies LLP has over 16 years experience in personal injury accident claims. They have won justice and personal injury compensation for tens of thousands of people all over the country from its base in Altrincham, South Manchester. The firm deals with all levels of personal injury claims - from minor to catastrophic.