Work-related accidents

Accidents in the workplace can cause fatal or bodily injuries. Employers have a duty of care towards their employees. This means that they must demonstrate that they have taken all precautions necessary to prevent accidents. That duty of care also applies towards subordinates working without employment contracts. Under no circumstance will employers be released from that duty of care. Employers who fail to comply with the duty of care are liable for the material and immaterial loss sustained by employees in work-related accidents.

Sometimes there are no direct injuries due to a work-related accident but the symptoms become apparent much later. Examples are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), asbestos diseases (mesothelioma in particular) or RSI. You will find more information under ‘occupational diseases’.