International Men’s Day: Male Role Models & Work Place Accidents
International Men’s Day is an important time of the year where we think about men’s health, improving relations between genders and what it actually means to be ”a man”. It’s important that we break toxic stereotypes of masculinity. Instead, we think about positive values that are important to pass on between the generations, such as respect, patience, open-mindedness and kindness
Now, Gowing Law has had a hard think about what we could talk about in relation to International Men’s Day. Already, Movember is in full swing and people are already making a difference when it comes to speaking openly about men’s mental health. That’s why we want to contribute in our own way by talking about a topic that we have a lot of experience with: Work accidents.
If you have suffered from an accident at work, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Gowing Law is here to support all of our clients with legal advice and consultations if they have been involved in an accident that was not their fault. We believe in equality and are determined to get you the justice that you deserve. Follow the link below to learn more:
Why is International Men’s Day important?
Honestly, we understand why you may be feeling a bit confused about International Men’s Day (IMD). Many people believe that IMD is unnecessary because men have a history of being heard over women. However, IMD is not about that. IMD is important because it highlights the struggles that men go through on a daily basis. One of these is mental health and the inability to be able to ”open up”, so to speak, about mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
IMD also serves as a time to discuss toxic masculine stereotypes and why they are harmful to both younger and older generations of men. Not only can this day make a positive impact on the lives of men, as it gives them a day to speak about these issues, but it can also promote positivity and give light about how we can help marginalized communities of men, such as homeless men and boys in care.
Last year, the UK’s previous Prime Minister, Theresa May, stated that:
“I recognise the important issues that this event seeks to highlight, including men’s health, male suicide rates and the underperformance of boys in schools, these are serious issues that must be addressed in a considered way.”
These are issues that need to be addressed, and Gowing Law is ready to do so by joining in International Men’s Day 2020.
International Men’s Day: Work Accidents and Gender
According to international statistics, every 40 minutes someone dies from lung disease due to previous exposure in a work-place environment. For men, they are 23 times more likely to die in a workplace than women. Of course, this will depend on the type of workplace they are at. But either way, the fact that men are more likely to die in a certain work environment proves that there is still a divide in gender when it comes to specific industries. Men tend to dominate some of the unhealthiest industries in the UK. 9/10 of serious work accident compensation claims from these industries tend to be male employees.
Take a look below at the infographic to see some of the most dangerous industries for male employees:
As you can see, some of the most common male injuries come from industries that are stereotypically male dominated. Within male-dominated industries, men are 3.5% more likely to make a serious accident claim against their employer. This shows that there is still a form of gender bias within more physical jobs, such as building, manufacturing and agriculture.
Why are men more at risk of work injuries?
Due to Covid-19 and the UK lockdown, most of the country are going to be working from home and therefore are not exposed to the same risk of those who need to go into a physical work environment to get the job done.
However, men still tend to dominate some of the riskier job industries that could put their general health and safety as risk. For those who are older, long-term injuries could have also been due to dangerous work environments (such as work buildings that had asbestos problems). This meant that they were unable to keep working due lung disease and any long-term physical ailments.
Men are around 10 times more likely to make a work accident claim than female admin or clerical workers. Riskier jobs includes:
- Male labourers making around 75% of serious accident claims.
- Male machinery labourers making around 90% of serious work accident claims.
- Trades workers making about 89% of severe work claims.
Why should we take notice of these types of work accident claims?
It’s extremely important that we take notice of the statistics of work accident claims around the world. Not only does it show that there is still a gender bias in the workplace, but when it comes to physical/labourer type jobs, men are more likely to get physically hurt than women. These are loved ones who are a big part of our lives! Not only do physical workers tend to work long and strenuous hours, but during the pandemic there is very little chance of them being able to work from home in order to protect themselves and their families.
No one wants their loved ones to get unnecessarily hurt due to a work accident. However, if that does happen then Gowing Law will be here to support you and your family through this tough time. Men exposed to injuries that may never heal if they are older. But even then, younger men are 40% more likely to get hurt than older man. So, no matter the age, an injury is an injury. Gowing Law will be here to support all genders if they have been hurt in an accident that is not your fault.
How can you help your loved ones on International Men’s Day?
If you have a loved one in your family that has suffered due to a work accident, or perhaps even the stresses and strains of their daily work lives, the best thing that you can do is talk to them. There is a negative stereotype about men that they are not very emotional and can deal with anything. This is a toxic masculine archetype that has damaged male mental health around the world.
Talk to your male loved ones about opening up about their stresses and strains. If they have got hurt, encourage them to seek help and advice rather than just ”deal with it”. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen to men and allow them to open up in their own time. It takes strength and courage to talk about how you feel, especially if you have been injured. Therefore, you can be there for them to ensure that they never feel alone.
If you need some extra support about talking about the mental health and general health of men, you can find more information by checking out Men’s mental health charities. This includes:
Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your work accident claim!
Here at Gowing Law, we completely understand that a work accident that was not your fault can be traumatic. Not only can it cause severe physical injuries, but your emotional health could be at risk. Whether you’re a man or a woman, we will make sure to provide you the support that you need in order to make a successful work accident claim.
If you can prove that your accident was due to the irresponsibility and negligence of your employer, you will be able to claim compensation for the injury. Take a look at the GIF below to see the types of injuries that you could suffer from:
What do I do if I have been hurt at work?
If you have suffered from a work accident, the first thing you need to do is alert your team-mates and your manager. You should always ask for your accident to be written down in your employer’s work accident book. If you need medical assistance, it is recommended that you go to hospital in order to get doctor to check over your injuries. You can also get a medical record whilst you are there.
It’s also a good idea to collect evidence from the scene of your accident to ensure that you can prove you got hurt. Pieces of evidence may include:
- Photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident
- Videos/CCTV evidence of your injuries and the accident environment
- Medical Reports
- Police Reports
- Witness Statements
- Diary Entries
- Financial Losses
- Loss of Opportunity (I.e. promotions and wage increases)
You may also want to detail any emotional damages that you suffer from. It is possible that you could have been forced to get psychological medical help that cost you money. You can reclaim the costs of your damages by making a compensation claim.
International Men’s Day is here to support all genders!
IMD is an important time of the year that is there to support all genders during their time of need. Sometimes it is just important to sit down and speak with your loved ones about the trials and tribulations of life. Being a man is not just about taking the world on your shoulders. Instead, it is about opening up and making sure that you pass on good values to the next generation. This includes patience and kindness.
It is also important to look at the issues that can affect men in their working lives. Employers should always put their employees safety first. Whether they work on a building site or are considering re-opening their office, make sure that all your employees are safe and feel comfortable in their work. It shouldn’t matter what their gender is. Make sure they are happy and out of harm’s way. If they do get hurt, be prepared to work with them to get the compensation that they deserve. It should not affect your business.
Don’t forget about our International Men’s Day Giveaway
In order to celebrate, International Men’s Day, Gowing Law is hosting a giveaway on our social media. Nominate a male role model in your life that deserves a Ted Baker: Ted’s Tin and Tricks Toiletries gift set, like and share our post and tag us @GowingLaw to take part. The deadline for this competition is on the 19th November 2020 at 12 am.
Gowing Law Solicitors & Work Accident Claims
Here at Gowing Law, our legal specialists are here to support you throughout your work accident claim. Our lawyers can give you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are interested in working with our team further, we can provide our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there will be no hidden fees and you will always come out on top with your claim.
Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, email us info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. From there, one of our lawyers will be in contact to make sure your claim is started in good time. Let them know if you have any questions. Our solicitors would be more than happy to help you. You may also want to consider signing up to our newsletter to find out more information and updates about our legal firm.
Read more about work accidents on our blog
Gowing Law always keeps its blog updated with the latest information about legal claims, seasonal events and UK legislation. Make sure to keep checking our blog out a few times a week to see what new content we’ve uploaded. You may also want to check out our socials as well to see if we are hosting any giveaways that could get you some free goodies or vouchers!
If you can’t find content that interests you, make sure to let Gowing Law know if you have any suggestions. We would be more than happy to write about your suggestions. Feel free to send them into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also keep an eye on our social media by following the links below.
We hope you enjoy International Men’s Day! See you in our next blog.
