SWANSEA Council has paid out more than £280,000 in compensation to employees injured at work over the past three years, according to figures obtained by personal injury specialists JF Law.
The data reveals that from 2022 to 2024, council employees lodged dozens of successful workplace accident claims, with the most common incidents involving slips, trips, falls, and manual handling injuries.
In 2022, a total of 18 claims were made. That number rose to 24 in 2023 before dropping to 16 claims in the most recent year. The highest compensation figure came in 2023/24, with the council paying out £131,364.58, bringing the three-year total to £280,455.21.
Lucy Parker, a solicitor at JF Law, said: “Councils, like all employers, have a legal duty to safeguard their workforce and take reasonable steps to protect them from harm.
“Unfortunately, council workers can be involved in a range of accidents—from slipping on wet floors and tripping on uneven surfaces to more serious injuries caused by manual handling or defective equipment.”
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty of care to ensure safe working environments. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, providing adequate training, supplying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and maintaining clear communication around health and safety policies.
Failure to comply with these responsibilities can constitute a breach of duty, potentially leading to compensation claims.
Swansea Council employs staff across a range of departments, including education, social services, housing, transport, and construction—roles where physical risk can be higher. Of the claims made since 2022, slips and trips were the leading cause (11 claims), followed by falls (10 claims).
Nationally, workplace injuries and illnesses cost the UK economy approximately £21.6 billion annually, with over a million workers affected. Falls from height, being struck by vehicles, and moving objects account for around 70% of fatal workplace incidents. In the past year alone, 138 workers in Britain lost their lives in work-related accidents.
Lucy Parker added: “Many workplace accidents could be prevented through better risk management. If you’re a council worker who has been injured at work, it’s important to seek legal advice to determine whether you have grounds for a compensation claim.
“Holding employers to account helps drive improvements and prevent future incidents.”
JF Law offers expert advice on employers’ liability and workplace injury claims, with a 24-hour helpline and online claim form available via their website.
