Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by tanya

Accidents and Injuries in a Bakery

 

Common Hazards and Filing A Claim

 

Whether it’s hot ovens or sharp tools, accidents and injuries in a bakery can and do happen. If proper safety measures are not in place, a bakery may pose a number of hazards for employees. It is typically a high-pressured environment with workers exposed to risks on a daily basis.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recently fined a Sussex bakery after an employee suffered serious damage to a finger on his left hand. According to the HSE release, the employee had reached into a dough divider to remove stuck dough. His finger got caught, resulting in the loss of part of his left index finger.

The bakery was ordered to pay a fine if £12000. This was after the HSE found the bakery had failed to prevent access to dangerous parts of their machinery.

Bakery owners are legally required to ensure the health and safety of their workers. However, if you have suffered from an injury which was not your fault, you may be entitles to compensation.

In this regard, First Personal Injury can help you with this process. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Fee, No Win’ basis.

 

Common Accidents and Injuries in Bakeries

 Working in a bakery is a fast-paced job where attention to detail is essential. Some of the most common bakery injuries include:

 

Burns and Scalds

Bakeries operate with ovens, fryers, and hot surfaces which have the potential to cause cause serious burns. Scalding from boiling liquids, hot syrups, or steam is also a frequent hazard, especially in pastry and cake preparation areas.

 

Cuts and Lacerations

Tools such as knives, dough cutters, and bread slicers are standard equipment in most bakeries. Improper use or dull, poorly maintained tools can lead to deep cuts and lacerations.

 

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Wet or greasy floors, spilled ingredients, and cluttered workspaces puts slips and trips as a leading cause of injury in bakery settings. These accidents can result in sprains, fractures, or more serious head and back injuries.

 

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Bakery work often involves repetitive motions like kneading, lifting heavy flour bags, or operating machinery. Over time, these actions can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), back problems, or joint pain.

 

Respiratory Issues

Exposure to flour dust and other airborne particles can trigger respiratory problems such as occupational disease,  Baker’s Asthma, Inadequate ventilation and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) may increase this risk.

 

Electrical Hazards

Bakeries use a range of electrical equipment, including mixers, ovens, and refrigerators. Faulty wiring, damaged plugs, or poorly maintained appliances can result in electric shocks or even fires.

 

Employers should conduct regular risk assessments and implement effective health and safety protocols to minimise risks for their employees.

 

Employer’s Duty of Care in a Bakery

 Under health and safety laws, bakery employers have a legal duty of care to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This may include:

 

• Providing proper training on equipment use and safety procedures.
• Ensuring machinery and tools are well-maintained and safe to use.
• Installing non-slip flooring and maintaining clean, clutter-free workspaces.
• Supplying appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, aprons, and face masks.
• Conducting regular health and safety audits and risk assessments.
• Providing adequate ventilation and air filtration systems.

 

When Can You File a Claim for Compensation

If you’ve been injured while working in a bakery and believe your employer failed to uphold their duty of care, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. To pursue a claim, you will need to prove:

 

• Your employer owed you a duty of care.
• They breached that duty through negligence.
• The negligence directly caused your injury.
• You suffered a physical, psychological, or financial loss as a result.

 

What Does Compensation Cover?

Compensation depends on a number of factors, such as how serious is the injury and how it has affected your life. A successful workplace injury claim may cover:

 

• Medical expenses: Treatment costs, prescriptions, and rehabilitation.
• Lost earnings: Wages lost while recovering from your injury.
• Future loss of income: If your injury affects your long-term ability to work.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
• Other costs: Travel expenses, care costs, or specialist equipment.

 

How To Start A Claim

It is essential to speak to a personal injury solicitor who is experienced in the field of injuries at work. They will be able to assess your case and advise whether it may be valid.

 

Reaching out to a trusted claims company can make a significant difference in your journey ahead. At First Personal Injury, we work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and will ensure you receive all the support you need. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online at First Personal Injury to learn more.