Industrial Illness: Providing A Fair Care Report

A company can create the safest possible working environment, yet accidents and industrial illnesses still occur. Why? Because we’re human – and unfortunately, workplace incidents continue to happen despite best practice being followed. It’s estimated that around 90% of workplace accidents are due to human error.

Injury or illness can place a huge strain on both the business and the employee, but it's essential that any assessment they receive is fair, just, and considers the claimant both before and after the incident. A Care Report from Tessa Gough Associates provides the foundation to ensure the injured party receives the support they need – helping them return to their pre-injury condition or as close to it as possible.

Common workplace accidents

According to the Health and Safety Executive, the most common types of workplace injuries include:

• ›Slips, trips and falls – Around 35% of all workplace accidents
• ›Handling, lifting or carrying – Accounting for nearly 20%, including musculoskeletal injuries and repetitive strain
• ›Struck by a moving object – Injuries from falling objects or moving machinery
• ›Falls from height – Often involving ladders or scaffolding, and carrying the highest mortality rate

Any of these can result in traumatic injury, requiring short- or long-term care. A thorough assessment by a trained expert witness is essential to ensure any Care Report reflects the full scope of the claimant’s needs.

Common workplace illnesses

Mesothelioma

Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it remains present in many older materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibres – particularly blue and brown amphibole forms – is linked to mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and night sweats often don’t appear until decades after exposure. Sadly, there is currently no cure.

Silicosis

Silicosis is a chronic lung condition caused by inhaling fine silica dust. It leads to inflammation and permanent scarring (fibrosis), severely affecting lung function. Those working in industries like construction, sandblasting, quarrying, and pottery are at higher risk. Like mesothelioma, silicosis can be managed – but not cured.

How Tessa Gough Associates ensures fair outcomes

A Care Report provided by Tessa Gough Associates helps determine the severity of the claimant’s injury or illness and its impact on their daily life, both now and in the future.

Our expert witnesses consider:

• ›The claimant’s care needs at home
• ›Whether home adaptations are required
• ›The need for aids and equipment
• ›Rehabilitation and future support requirements

Each report is clinically grounded and written with clarity, covering both care and practical recommendations. Our expert witnesses also draw on current innovations in assistive technology, recommending cost-effective solutions to support recovery and reduce long-term care costs.

Our experienced expert witnesses have the specialist knowledge required to assess claimants affected by mesothelioma, silicosis, and other complex conditions – and to provide fair, detailed Care Reports tailored to the individual.