Workplace Public Liability - Non-Worker Claims

Workers compensation vs public liability

Workers compensation covers employees of the employer. Public liability covers everyone else - including:

• Visitors to the workplace
• Contractors not in an employment relationship with the host business
• Subcontractors' employees (in some cases - usually their own employer's workers comp applies, but the host business may also be a defendant)
• Customers, suppliers, delivery drivers
• Members of the public passing the workplace
• Trespassers (different standard but sometimes still entitled)

Common non-worker workplace injury claims

• Visitor slip / trip on premises
• Falling object from construction site
• Defective shop fittings injuring customers
• Wet floor / cleaning hazards in commercial premises
• Vehicle / forklift incidents in warehouses
• Dust, asbestos, or chemical exposure to neighbours / passersby

Multiple defendants are common

Workplace public liability claims often involve multiple potential defendants:

• The host business (occupier)
• The contractor whose work caused the hazard
• The principal contractor / head builder on construction sites
• Owners, lessors, and developers
• Manufacturers / suppliers of defective equipment

Specialist lawyers identify and pursue all available defendants - this maximises recovery and means you're not blocked by any one defendant's insurance limits.