Introduction: When a “Small” Office Task Turns Into a Serious Workplace Injury
Many people assume that workplace injuries only occur on construction sites or in warehouses, but office environments can be just as hazardous. Poorly positioned equipment, heavy items stored unsafely, and inadequate risk assessments can all create serious risks for employees.
In this real employer liability case, a routine attempt to clear a printer jam resulted in a painful arm injury with long-term consequences. Because the accident was entirely preventable and the employer failed to meet essential health and safety duties, NJS Law secured £18,000 in compensation for our client.
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury – whether in an office, shop, school, warehouse, or any other setting – this guide explains what happened, why the claim succeeded, and how to find out if you may be eligible to make a workplace accident claim.
What Happened? How a Printer Jam Led to a Workplace Injury
It started as a routine task. When our client attempted to print documents, the office printer jammed. The printer had been poorly positioned– tight against a wall and difficult to access safely. To reach the jam, our client tried to pull the printer forward into a safer working position.
But the printer wouldn’t move. While attempting to shift it, our client felt sudden, intense pain and heard three sharp “snaps” in the arm, marking the moment the workplace injury occurred.
The Outcome: A Serious Arm Injury from the Workplace Accident
Following the incident, our client suffered:
- Significant muscle and soft-tissue damage
- Medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation
- Time off work, leading to disruption in daily life
- Lasting pain, weakness, and reduced mobility
This was not an unavoidable or freak accident. It was a preventable workplace injury caused by an unsafe office setup – particularly the poor positioning of heavy and awkward equipment that could not be accessed safely.
If you’ve suffered a slip, trip, or fall at work, you may be entitled to compensation – especially if the hazard was hidden, unmarked, or caused by poor workplace maintenance. These types of workplace injuries are often preventable, and employers have a legal duty to keep staff safe.
Start your accident at work claim today:
- Free initial consultation
- No Win No Fee options available
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Why This Qualified as a Valid Employer Liability Claim
In the UK, employers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to keep employees safe at work. This includes ensuring that workplace equipment is:
No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.
- Correctly and safely positioned
- Easy to operate without risk
- Accessible without creating unnecessary manual handling hazards
- Supported by appropriate risk assessments and training
In this case, the employer liability claim succeeded because the evidence showed the injury was entirely preventable. The employer’s failure to position the equipment safely and manage the risks properly directly contributed to the workplace accident.
Employer Failure to Provide a Safe Working Environment
The printer was positioned in a way that created an avoidable workplace risk:
- Restricted access due to poor placement
- No safer or more accessible setup provided
- No effective controls in place to reduce manual handling strain or injury
Lack of Risk Assessment and Safe Processes
A proper risk assessment could have identified obvious hazards:
- Heavy/awkward equipment close to a wall
- Employees likely to attempt to move it when jams occur
- Lack of clear procedure for faults and maintenance
No Manual Handling Support (Training/Guidance/Equipment)
Employers should not leave staff to improvise with heavy equipment. In many workplaces, safer systems include:
- Clear reporting channels for jams/faults,
- Maintenance support,
- Training on what staff should and shouldn’t do,
- Equipment placement guidelines to avoid unsafe reaching and lifting.
Clear Evidence of Injury and Consequences
A successful personal injury claim usually requires proof of:
- The accident circumstances,
- The injury and medical diagnosis,
- How it affected your life and work,
- Losses such as wages, travel costs, or treatment expenses.
We obtained the documentation needed to demonstrate fault and quantify the impact.
Accident at work claims are time-sensitive. The sooner you get advice, the easier it can be to secure key evidence such as photos, incident reports, CCTV, and witness details.
You may be able to claim if:
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The hazard was concealed (e.g., spills, poor lighting, trailing cables, uneven flooring)
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There were no warning signs or barriers
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The area should have been inspected, cleaned, repaired, or made safe under workplace procedures
How We Proved Negligence and Secured £18,000
To build a strong case, NJS Law gathered and presented key evidence, including:
- Witness statements (what colleagues saw and what workplace conditions were like)
- Medical evidence confirming the injury, treatment, and prognosis
- Workplace documentation relating to equipment layout, safety procedures, and employer responsibilities
- Financial evidence such as wage loss and recovery-related costs (where applicable)
This evidence allowed us to demonstrate that the injury was linked to preventable risk, not simply “bad luck,” and to negotiate an appropriate settlement.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for an Arm Injury at Work?
Compensation depends on factors like:
- Severity of the injury,
- Recovery time and long-term symptoms,
- Impact on daily activities and hobbies,
- Time off work and reduced earning capacity,
- Medical costs, travel expenses, and care needs.
In this case, the settlement was £18,000, reflecting both the injury and its wider impact. Your claim value may be higher or lower depending on your circumstances.
Time Limits: How Long Do You Have to Claim?
In most UK workplace injury cases, you typically have three years to bring a claim (with some exceptions). Acting early helps because:
- Evidence is easier to gather,
- Witnesses remember events more clearly,
- Medical records and timelines are simpler to obtain.
Do You Have a Claim for an Office Injury or Equipment Hazard?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your workplace setup increased risk (poor layout, access issues, heavy equipment placement),
- You were not given training, guidance, or a safe procedure,
- The employer didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent harm,
- The injury caused pain, treatment, time off, or ongoing symptoms.
Office injury claims can include accidents involving:
- Printers and heavy office equipment,
- Lifting or moving items without support,
- Trips/slips due to poor housekeeping,
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI),
- Unsafe chairs/desks leading to musculoskeletal problems.
Choosing the Right Solicitor for a Workplace Injury Claim
Even incidents that seem minor can lead to serious, long-lasting injuries—so the right legal support matters. Look for a solicitor who:
- Focuses on employer liability and workplace injury claims,
- Offers No Win No Fee where appropriate,
- Communicates clearly and treats you with care and respect.
Why Choose NJS Law for an Injury at Work Claim?
At NJS Law, we help people claim compensation after preventable workplace injuries—whether you work in an office, retail, healthcare, education, logistics, or construction.
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FAQs: Office Injuries, Equipment Setup & Employer Liability
Can I claim compensation for an injury caused by poor office equipment setup?
Yes. If unsafe placement, lack of safe access, or missing risk controls contributed to your injury, your employer may be legally responsible.
What if I moved the equipment myself—does that stop me claiming?
Not necessarily. If the workplace setup made it likely people would try to move equipment to do their job, the employer may still be at fault for not providing safe procedures, training, or access.
How much compensation could I receive?
It varies. In this case, our client received £18,000 for a printer-related arm injury. The value of your claim depends on severity, recovery, and financial losses.
View our full Employer Liability compensation guide
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