Work accidents in Spanish Companies

Work accidents are a concern for the working population in Spain. Not only do they pose a risk to the health and safety of employees, but they can also have an impact on the spanish company's productivity and accounting. In this article, we will explore the common causes of workplace accidents, how to prevent them, and what to do if you have a workplace accident.

Main causes of a work accident

-Unsafe conditions

Unsafe workplace conditions, such as faulty machinery, inadequate electrical installations and slippery surfaces, are a leading cause of workplace accidents. It is vitally important that the spanish company carries out regular inspections and keeps machinery and tools in good condition.

-Human factors

Fatigue, lack of training and negligence are human factors that contribute significantly to workplace accidents. Ensure that workers are not stressed and are well rested to do their jobs. This will help significantly reduce risks.

-Lack of Security Protocols

The absence of clear security protocols and a company security culture can lead to reckless behavior. Spanish Companies must establish and clearly communicate safety standards to all employees.

How to prevent work accidents? 

-Training and Education 

Continuing education on safe practices and specific training in the use of machinery and equipment are essential. Training programs must be periodic and updated according to new risks and technologies.

-Regular Maintenance

Create a maintenance plan for equipment and machinery, so that it will be easier to avoid failures and accidents. Also carrying out inspections with some regularity can detect problems before there is a possible accident at work.

-Safety in the workplace and in the company

Regularly check by the company that security measures are complied with, and where all employees feel responsible for their safety and that of their colleagues. This allows you to report unsafe conditions and comply with established procedures, as commented by the experienced labor lawyer from Forcam Lawyers.

What is meant by having a work accident?

The legislation determines that an accident at work is any bodily injury that the worker suffers on the occasion of or as a consequence of the work he performs as an employee" (art. 115 LGSS).

With regard to self-employed workers, and following the approval of Law 20/2007, workers are entitled to benefits for professional contingency, in the case of economically dependent self-employed workers the contribution is obligatory and therefore the benefit and for the rest of the self-employed this contribution is voluntary.

When is it determined that an employed worker has had an accident at work?

Thus, it is understood that the employee suffers an accident at work, when:

-The worker suffers a bodily injury. Injury means any damage or detriment to the body caused by an injury, blow or illness.

-That he or she performs work on behalf of others.

-That the accident is caused by or as a consequence of work, i.e., that there is a direct causal relationship between work and injury.

What types of accidents exist?

Accidents at work can be with or without medical leave:

Accidents at work without sick leave: These are those in which there is an injury but which allow the worker to continue carrying out his work after receiving assistance.

Accident at work with sick leave: Accidents at work or relapses that involve the absence from the workplace, the injured worker, of at least one day. Relapse is understood as "the worker's medical leave as a direct consequence of a previous accident".

What accidents are the most common in Spanish Companies?

• Electrical contacts
• Cuts and punctures
• Blows with shelves or cabinets
• Fires
• Muscle fatigue
• Mental fatigue

The prevention and management of work accidents in companies is an investment in the productivity and sustainability of the business. Adopting sufficient safety measures and working together with workers to implement the best possible measures can prevent accidents at work in the future.

What to do in case of an accident at work in spanish company?

If there is an accident, we recommend reporting it as soon as possible, in order to repair the damage and enforce the company's safety protocols.

Contact us, and our lawyers specializing in labor law will study your specific case. 

At Forcam Lawyers we have the following highly qualified professionals:

Lawyers in Barcelona
Lawyers in Madrid
Lawyers in Reus