Injured By a Blocked or Unsafe Walkway at Work?
Last Updated on June 8, 2026 by tanya
Injured By a Blocked or Unsafe Walkway at Work?
About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.
Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer
How To Claim Compensation for a Work Walkway Accident
If you were injured by a blocked or unsafe walkway at work, you may be entitled to compensation. Employers must keep walkways clear under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and failing to do so can make them legally liable. This guide explains what counts as an unsafe walkway, how to prove negligence, and how to start a claim.
Employers in England and Wales must follow strict safety procedures to keep employees safe at work and if they fail in any of these duties which results in an injury to an employee, they may face a personal injury claim.
Compensation is designed to put you back into the same position, or as close as possible, prior to the accident, so here’s what to do next if you or a loved one has been injured in a walkway accident at work.
What Would Be an Obstructed or Non-Existent Walkway?
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 to take reasonable steps to protect workers from foreseeable harm. However, this duty extends to maintaining clear pedestrian routes, ensuring safe access between work areas, and preventing hazards that could obstruct designated walkways.
A successful claim generally requires proof that:
- A walkway was obstructed, unsafe, or absent.
- The employer knew or should have known about the issue.
- The hazard caused or significantly contributed to the accident.
- You suffered an injury and related losses.
An example of a non-existent walkway has been highlighted in a media report by UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) when a worker died after falling into an exposed excavation hole on a construction site in Hertfordshire. The HSE investigation revealed that workers were “crisscrossing the construction site without any designated safe walkways”. Also the site was exposed to the weather creating slippery conditions and there was also no dedicated lighting on site. The building company was fined £20 000 and ordered to pay court costs.
What Is Considered an Obstructed or Non-Existent Workplace Walkway?
Workplace walkway risks can take many forms. So, here are some common examples:
- Boxes, pallets, or stock blocking pedestrian routes.
- Building materials left in access corridors.
- Trailing cables crossing walkways.
- Equipment stored in designated walking areas.
- Temporary barriers forcing employees into unsafe routes.
- Lack of marked pedestrian pathways in warehouses.
- Missing walkways between workstations.
- Inadequate separation between pedestrians and moving vehicles.
These hazards frequently appear in warehouses, factories, construction sites, distribution centres, retail stockrooms, and industrial facilities.
Top Tip: Workplace walkway accidents may also occur not because of a single hazard, but because employees repeatedly use an unsafe alternative route created by ongoing obstruction issues.
Common Injuries Caused by Walkway Accidents
The severity of injuries can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and can include:
Fractured wrists, arms, ankles, or legs.
Shoulder injuries.
Knee damage.
Head injuries.
Soft tissue injuries.
Even seemingly minor falls can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and time away from work.
Who Is Responsible for Workplace Walkway Safety?
Responsibility usually rests with the employer, although liability may sometimes extend to contractors, site managers, facilities management companies, or occupiers of the premises. Therefore, an employer must keep walkways free of obstructions by taking the following action:
- Conduct regular safety inspections.
- Implement traffic management systems.
- Separate pedestrian and vehicle routes where possible.
- Provide suitable signage.
- Address hazards promptly.
- Train staff on safe workplace practices.
Failure to take these precautions may indicate negligence.
Top Tip: A walkway hazard which exists for days, weeks, or months before an accident can strengthen evidence that the employer had sufficient opportunity to identify and correct the problem.
What Evidence Can Support Your Claim?
Beng able to show strong evidence can considerably strengthen a personal injury claim.
Useful evidence may include:
1. Accident Reports
Report the incident as soon as possible and ensure it is recorded in the workplace accident book.
2. Photographs
Photographs of the obstruction, blocked route, or missing walkway can provide powerful evidence.
3. Witness Statements
Colleagues who witnessed the accident or regularly encountered the hazard may support your case.
4. CCTV Footage
Many workplaces operate surveillance systems that may have recorded the incident, here’s our link on How To Request CCTV Footage.
5. Medical Records
Medical evidence helps establish the nature and extent of your injuries and is vital to any personal injury claim.
6. Maintenance and Inspection Records
Documents showing previous complaints, inspection failures, or unresolved hazards can be particularly valuable.
Top Tip: Photographs taken immediately after the accident often capture temporary obstructions that may be removed before a formal investigation begins. Additionally, CCTV footage of the evidence is also considered compelling as it documents the accident in real time.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
Compensation aims to place you in the position you would have been in had the accident not occurred.
A personal injury claim may typically include compensation for:
Pain and Suffering
This covers the physical and psychological impact of the injury.
Loss of Earnings
You may recover income lost during your recovery period.
Future Loss of Income
Serious injuries that affect your ability to work may result in compensation for future financial losses.
Medical Expenses
Treatment costs, rehabilitation expenses, and prescription charges may be recoverable.
Travel Costs
You may claim reasonable travel expenses related to medical treatment.
Care and Assistance
Support provided by family members or professional carers may also form part of a claim.
5 Steps to Take After a Walkway Accident at Work
Taking the right actions after an accident can help protect both your health and your legal position.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Always prioritise medical treatment, even if injuries initially appear minor.
2. Report the Incident
Notify your employer and ensure a formal record exists.
3. Gather Evidence
Take photographs, obtain witness details, and preserve any relevant documentation.
4. Keep Financial Records
Retain receipts, invoices, and evidence of lost earnings.
5. Obtain Legal Advice
We partner with personal injury solicitors who can assess the circumstances of the accident and determine whether you have a valid claim during a free, initial consultation.
Top Tip: Early evidence collection is often critical because walkway obstructions are frequently removed shortly after an incident occurs. Your solicitor can help you to gather the relevant evidence.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?
In most cases, workplace personal injury claims must be started within three years of the accident date, or the date you became aware that your injuries were linked to the incident.
However, exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, so obtaining legal advice as early as possible is advisable.
Can Your Employer Dismiss You for Making a Claim For A Walkway Injury?
We see that employees often worry about workplace consequences after pursuing compensation. However, legally employers are not allowed to dismiss an employee because they’ve filed a claim. In addition, employers should not treat workers unfairly simply because they exercise their legal right to claim compensation following an injury caused by workplace negligence.
Top Tip: Most workplace injury claims are handled through employer liability insurance rather than being paid directly by the employer.
Important Note:
Fear of workplace repercussions prevents many injured employees from seeking compensation, yet legitimate claims are a recognised part of workplace health and safety accountability.
FAQs About Walkway Accident Claims
Can I claim if the walkway was only temporarily blocked?
Yes. Even short‑term obstructions may amount to negligence if they created a foreseeable risk of injury. Employers must keep walkways clear at all times.
What if no one witnessed my walkway accident?
You can still claim. Other evidence, such as photos, CCTV, accident book entries, or medical records, can support your case even without witnesses.
Can I claim if I used an unofficial shortcut because the walkway was blocked?
Often, yes. If the official walkway was unsafe or obstructed, using an alternative route may be considered reasonable. The key issue is whether the employer’s failure contributed to your injury.
Does it matter if I reported the hazard before the accident?
Reporting it helps, but it’s not essential. Employers still have a legal duty to inspect and maintain safe walkways, even if no formal complaint was made.
Do You Need Help Today?
Accidents caused by obstructed or non-existent workplace walkways can lead to serious injuries, financial hardship, and lengthy recovery periods. Therefore, when employers fail to provide safe pedestrian routes or allow hazards to block access areas, injured workers may be eligible to pursue personal injury compensation.
By reporting the incident, preserving evidence, and seeking legal advice as soon as possible, injured employees can take informed steps towards securing the compensation they deserve.
We partner with specialist work injury lawyers who offer a No Win, No Fee service, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk.
Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online for an initial, no-obligation consultation.