No win no fee claim news
16/08/2010

Network Rail accused of work accident cover-up

Hundreds of railway workers could be eligible for no win no fee claims after it has been reported that some work accidents at Network Rail have been concealed.

Around 2,500 minor injuries suffered while at work were missed from Network Rail's accident statistics in the last year.

All work accidents and medical issues related to work should be recorded and notified under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) which should be collated regularly.

However, at Network Rail's annual meeting the issue of the under-reporting of RIDDOR-related incidents was brought up as a matter of concern.

National Railway Officer of the UNITE union Bob Rixham said, "Network Rail claims to have an ever-improving safety record. It would seem that this is due in part to accidents not being reported."

Network Rail Chief Executive Ian Croucher admitted that there had been some "misunderstanding" about the reporting of staff returning on light duties after suffering accidents at work.

If work accidents are not being reported, it is also possible that those injured at work could also be missing out on making no win, no fee claims for their injuries.