Office injuries are often underestimated in places like Skelmersdale. People usually imagine accidents happening in warehouses around Pimbo, on construction sites, or across busy units in White Moss Business Park. Yet a surprising number of injuries occur inside everyday office environments throughout the town centre, Tanhouse, Gillibrands, and the wider business areas. These injuries happen quietly, in moments people do not expect, and often grow from hazards workers pass by every day.
To understand office accidents properly, you need to look closely at the spaces where they occur. Each part of an office carries different risks, different behaviours, and different consequences when something goes wrong. This guide breaks the office into its key environments and explains how injuries happen, why they develop, and what workers in Skelmersdale should do immediately afterwards.
1. The reception and entrance area: Where first impressions hide hidden hazards
Reception areas look safe, and that is part of the problem. These spaces often cause slips and falls, especially on rainy days near the Concourse when water is tracked in from outside. Smooth tiles become slippery. Entrance mats curl at the corners. Packages and deliveries left near reception desks turn into unexpected obstacles.
Workers tend to rush through these areas while juggling bags, phones, or documents. Many describe slips here as happening “too swiftly to react”. A fall at the entrance can lead to wrist fractures, back strains, or painful sprains.
In the event of an accident in this environment, please report it promptly and, if possible, take a photo. Cleaning up reception hazards quickly is easy, but once they disappear, proving the evidence becomes more challenging.
2. Corridors and walkways: Narrow, busy, and easily overlooked
The corridors in Skelmersdale’s older offices, particularly those near the town centre and smaller buildings around Gillibrands, often have worn carpets, uneven thresholds, or loose tiles. Boxes left outside office doors create trip hazards. Cleaning teams may leave floors wet without warning signs.
Falls in corridors tend to injure knees, hips, or shoulders. When people try to catch themselves on nearby walls, they can twist awkwardly and worsen the impact.
If your accident happened in a shared corridor, the responsibility may lie with the landlord or building management, not necessarily your employer. Report it immediately so the correct party becomes liable.
3. Workstations and desk areas: Injuries that develop gradually over time
Not all accidents happen suddenly. Many injuries in Skelmersdale offices develop over time through everyday tasks. Poor workstation setup, damaged chairs, cluttered desks, and repetitive movements can cause:
- Lower back pain
- Neck and shoulder strain
- Wrist injuries
- Headaches
- Long-term stiffness
These issues are common in administrative offices in Pimbo or White Moss where staff spend long hours at screens.
Early symptoms might feel minor, but they grow quietly until the injury becomes significant. Your employer is responsible for providing proper workstation equipment and ensuring your setup meets safety standards. Reporting early discomfort protects both your health and your legal position.
4. Kitchens and staff rooms: High traffic, high risk
Small office kitchens see constant use. Water on the floor near sinks, spilled drinks, loose electrical cables from kettles or microwaves, and cluttered worktops all contribute to frequent accidents.
Offices near the Concourse and Skelmersdale Business Park experience this most often due to larger teams sharing small spaces.
Slips in kitchens commonly cause back injuries, sprained ankles, or falls onto hard surfaces. Burns from hot food or appliances are also frequent.
In the event of an injury, please document the hazard as promptly as possible. Kitchens rarely have CCTV, so accurate reporting matters.
5. Staircases: Sudden injuries with long-term effects
Staircases are deceptively dangerous. Worn stair edges, loose handrails, weak lighting, or cluttered steps can lead to severe falls.
The staircases in older buildings around Tanhouse and some units near Gillibrands Industrial Estate have not undergone regular modernisation or inspection.
Injuries on stairs often involve:
- Fractures
- Ligament damage
- Head injuries
- Long term spinal issues
If you fall on stairs, never assume it will resolve on its own. Please consult a medical professional promptly and ensure it is reported for formal documentation.
6. Meeting rooms: Cluttered spaces with unexpected risks
Meeting rooms feel safe, yet they often hide hazards that can cause injuries. Loose wires from projectors, unstable chairs, heavy screens placed on weak brackets, and cramped layouts all contribute to injuries.
People frequently rush into meetings, pull out chairs without looking, or step backwards while presenting. Falls and impacts happen quickly, and embarrassment often stops workers from speaking up.
Never let embarrassment silence you. Meeting room accidents are as valid as any other.
7. Storage rooms and filing areas: Cramped, poorly lit, and easily overlooked
Storage spaces are some of the least maintained areas in Skelmersdale offices. Boxes stacked too high, sharp-edged metal shelving, cluttered floors, and weak overhead lighting are all common problems.
Injuries here often involve:
- Crushed toes
- Dropped items
- Back injuries from lifting
- Cuts from shelving
- Falls from clutter or loose objects
Always note what you were lifting or handling and the condition of the storage area at the time. These rooms rarely receive safety checks, which strengthens your case.
8. What to do immediately after an office accident in Skelmersdale
No matter where the accident happens, your response plays a major role in how your situation unfolds.
Report the incident immediately
A quick report prevents disputes and proves the timing.
Seek medical attention
Even minor injuries worsen overnight. Many workers attend St Helens Hospital or local walk-in centres.
Take photos
If you cannot photograph the hazard, ask a colleague.
Record symptoms early
Pain, swelling, and stiffness often intensify the next morning.
Identify witnesses
Even a single witness can reinforce your account.
9. Understanding who is legally responsible
Responsibility depends on control of the space:
- Your employer is responsible for workstation safety, training, equipment, and your direct work environment.
- The landlord or building manager is responsible for corridors, shared kitchens, reception areas, and staircases.
- Cleaning staff or contractors may be responsible for wet floors or cleaning-related hazards.
You do not need to work this out yourself. A solicitor can determine liability.
10. How a solicitor helps after an office accident
A solicitor supports you by:
- Collecting evidence
- Identifying the responsible party
- Obtaining maintenance and cleaning records
- Arranging medical assessments
- Calculating compensation
- Negotiating with insurers
Office injuries can last months or even years if untreated. A Merseyside solicitor ensures your long term needs are fully recognised.
Recovering safely after an office accident in Skelmersdale
Office accidents may not look dramatic, but they can disrupt your routine, affect your movement, and impact your wellbeing more than you expect. You are not expected to navigate the aftermath alone. With the right support, clear reporting, and an understanding of your rights, you can focus on recovery while knowing your situation is being managed properly.