Injury news

Companies in Scotland could be billed for accidents at work

New legislation in Scotland could see companies paying the NHS up to £37,000 if a member of their staff suffers an injury in an accident at work.

Deputy Health Minister Lewis McDonald has announced that under new legislation to be introduced next year, companies will be expected to foot the bill for employees' personal injuries.

Mr McDonald also stated that the new NHS Scotland Injury Costs Recovery Scheme could generate an income of more than £20 million for the NHS in Scotland.

The scheme will cover all work injuries believed to be caused by a third party where personal injury compensation has already been paid.

Alan Mitchell, assistant director of the Confederation of British Industry Scotland, said, "We don't have a problem with the inherent principle, that if somebody is injured in the course of their work and the employer is proven to be negligent then they should be made to pay. But the devil is in the detail, particularly the bureaucracy needed to recoup this money."

The scheme is due to take effect from the 27th January 2007. It is believed that companies could face paying out up to £37,000 on their insurance for each employee's injuries sustained in an accident at work.