Can I claim for a factory accident if I did not report it at the time?

You may still be able to claim, though failing to report promptly can weaken your evidence. If possible, report the accident in the accident book now and seek medical attention. The three-year limitation period still runs from the date of the accident.

What regulations apply to factory safety?

Key regulations include the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, and specific regulations for hazardous substances (COSHH). Breach of these can help establish liability.

Can I claim if I was a temporary or agency worker?

Yes. Both the agency and the factory operator (as the host employer) may owe you a duty of care. We can advise on who is the appropriate defendant in your case.

What if the machinery was faulty — is the manufacturer liable?

Possibly. If the machinery was defectively designed or manufactured and the defect caused your accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, in addition to or instead of a claim against your employer for failing to maintain or inspect the equipment.

How long do I have to make a factory accident claim?

Three years from the date of the accident, or from the date of knowledge for industrial diseases arising from factory work.

What types of injury are most common in factory accidents?

Hand and finger injuries from machinery, crush injuries, burns and scalds, eye injuries, hearing loss from noise, back and musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling, and injuries from forklift trucks and pallet trucks are all common in factory environments.

Factory Accident Claims — Workplace Injury Compensation

Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors

Factory and manufacturing environments present significant injury risks. If you were injured in a factory accident due to your employer's negligence or breach of statutory duty, EA Personal Injury Solicitors can help you claim compensation on a no win, no fee basis.

TL;DR — Quick Summary

Key Points

Factories are subject to comprehensive health and safety legislation
Machinery, manual handling and forklift accidents are among the most common causes of factory injuries
Both employees and agency or temporary workers can claim
Three-year time limit from the date of accident or date of knowledge
No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation

Workplace Safety in Factory Environments

Factories and manufacturing plants bring together workers, machinery, heavy materials and hazardous substances in an environment that carries significant injury potential. Employers in the manufacturing sector are subject to extensive health and safety legislation and are required to undertake thorough risk assessments, maintain equipment in safe working order, provide appropriate personal protective equipment and train workers in safe working practices.

Where these obligations are not met and a worker is injured as a result, the employer may be liable in negligence and for breach of statutory duty. Our solicitors understand the regulatory framework that governs manufacturing environments and can assess your claim effectively.

Common Factory Accident Types

Machinery entrapment and crush injuries — from unguarded or inadequately maintained machinery
Amputations and degloving injuries — particularly hand and finger injuries in press, cutting or grinding operations
Forklift truck accidents — collisions with pedestrians, load drops and overturns
Burns and scalds — from hot materials, steam, chemical splashes or electrical faults
Eye injuries — from ejected debris, chemical splashes or arc welding without adequate protection
Manual handling injuries — back, shoulder, wrist and hernia conditions from lifting or carrying
Slips and trips — on oil-contaminated floors, drainage channels, pallet edges or cluttered walkways
Noise-induced hearing loss — from sustained exposure to high noise levels without adequate hearing protection
Respiratory conditions — from dust, fume or chemical inhalation

Legislation That Applies to Factory Accidents

Several pieces of legislation impose duties relevant to factory safety claims:

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) — requires equipment to be suitable, maintained and guarded
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) — covers forklifts, cranes and other lifting equipment
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 — requires risk assessment and risk reduction for manual handling tasks
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) — covers hazardous substances including chemicals, dust and fume
Noise at Work Regulations 2005 — requires hearing protection programmes where noise exposure exceeds action levels
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 — requires provision and enforcement of PPE use

Evidence in Factory Accident Claims

Gather the following as promptly as possible: accident book entry, RIDDOR report to the HSE, photographs of the machinery, equipment or scene, maintenance and inspection logs for the equipment involved, risk assessments and safe working procedures, training records, witness details, and medical records. CCTV footage from the factory can be crucial — request its preservation in writing immediately.

No Win, No Fee Factory Accident Claims

We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. You pay nothing if your claim fails. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation. All costs are explained clearly before you proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

EA Personal Injury Solicitors

SRA Regulated · SRA No. 800525 · Edward and Amaury Limited

This content has been prepared by qualified legal professionals. It is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.