Workplace Safety: Does Culture Match Policy?

It’s a legal requirement for all places of work to have adequate safety policies in place, and if you start a new job, whether you are working directly for an employer or as a contractor or subcontractor, it’s likely that you will be shown a set of documents that outline how the business will protect you from any workplace risk.

However, while words on a piece of paper can say one thing, it’s the everyday culture that can often dictate how this is enforced.

In a manufacturing or construction environment, where heavy machinery and tools are common, the risk of a dangerous accident with life-changing consequences can be very real.

What roles are most at risk of work injuries?

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), is UK legislation that legally requires employers and those in control of workplaces to report specific work-related accidents, specified injuries, occupational diseases, and certain dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

RIDDOR statistics for 2023/24 revealed that 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents in the UK in 2024, with construction in the top five industries to experience most fatalities.

At Nelsons, we advise on a wide range of incidents, showcasing extensive experience in the complexities of workplace injury claims. Our specialist solicitors frequently encounter injuries from this list, including:

Where do employees go for support on workplace injuries?

If the workplace culture is not open and transparent about its safety policies, it may be that more employees feel the need to turn elsewhere to find answers and seek help after an accident.

Analysis of UK monthly Google keyword searches around workplace injuries shows an upward trend starting in 2021, with “accidents at work” increasing by 293% and “workplace accident claim” seeing a massive 775% increase in five years from 1,600 to 14,000. Searches for accident compensation are also steadily increasing from 480 monthly searches in 2021 to 4,350 in 2025.

This is further highlighted by a significant spike in “how to sue my employer” searches in 2024, marking the first substantial activity since 2020 and reflecting a growing determination among individuals to seek justice for their injuries.

The significant number of people actively seeking information on workplace injury claims underscores the very real and growing problem and our personal injury solicitors have seen first-hand the devastating consequences when safety becomes secondary to output. This isn’t just about missing a tick box on a form; it’s about cultures that prioritise speed or output over the wellbeing of staff. When pressure builds to get things done, it can lead to dangerous shortcuts, and unfortunately, it’s the employees who can pay the price.

What concerns does this raise for company culture?

For those who have suffered a workplace injury, it is important for a thorough investigation to be carried out to discover the root cause of the incident. When a company denies liability, it can be incredibly challenging for the injured party, and this is where a legal expert becomes critical.

While all employers, contractors, and subcontractors are legally bound to ensure workplace safety policies are followed, the pressure in many environments can lead to dangerous shortcuts. At Nelsons, it is not unusual for our team to encounter cultures where safety is deprioritised, despite existing policies. This often manifests in colleagues resisting safer practices with the common refrain, ‘we’ve always done it like this’.

At Nelsons, we don’t just look at the immediate cause; we explore every avenue to understand the full picture, identifying any ‘culture issue’ that can often underpin these incidents. This meticulous approach ensures clients receive the full compensation they deserve, not just for immediate losses, but for long-term impacts on their career path and daily life, including potential provisional damages for severe injuries like amputations.

Seeking advice for workplace injuries?

As an important reminder to those affected by a workplace injury, there is generally a three-year limitation period for making a claim in court. In addition, employers are required to have liability insurance, and for incidents resulting in four or more days off work, a RIDDOR report must be logged.

Our personal injury team is committed to ensuring that victims of workplace negligence receive the justice and compensation they need to rebuild their lives.