Workplace safety law in Northern Ireland closely mirrors the law in Great Britain, but it is made and enforced separately. If you were hurt at work in Northern Ireland, you have the same basic right to claim as a worker in England, Scotland or Wales, but the legislation, the regulator, the courts and the way compensation is valued all differ in important ways.
What health and safety law applies in Northern Ireland?
The main statute is the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, the equivalent of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Detailed Northern Ireland regulations cover the same ground as the GB rules, including risk assessment, work equipment, manual handling and hazardous substances. Your employer must also hold employers' liability insurance.
Who enforces workplace safety in Northern Ireland?
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) investigates serious accidents and enforces the law, rather than the GB Health and Safety Executive. Serious workplace accidents must be reported to HSENI, and its findings can be useful evidence in a civil claim.
What is the time limit?
Under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, you normally have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you first knew your injury was significant and linked to work. For children, time usually does not start to run until their 18th birthday.
How is compensation valued in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland judges do not use the Judicial College Guidelines that apply in England and Wales. They use their own guidance, commonly called the Green Book: the Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases in Northern Ireland. Awards for pain, suffering and loss of amenity can differ from English figures for the same injury. Financial losses, such as lost earnings, care and treatment costs, are recovered on the same broad principles across the UK.
Which court hears the claim?
Lower-value claims are heard in the county court, and higher-value or complex claims in the High Court in Belfast. Northern Ireland has its own court rules and procedure, separate from England and Wales.
Who can act for me?
Court proceedings in Northern Ireland must be conducted by solicitors admitted in Northern Ireland and regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Speak to us first: we will tell you whether we can help with your claim, or point you to someone who can.
See how a work accident claim works for the overall process and time limits for accident at work claims for more on deadlines.
Sources
Browse every plain-English guide in the work accident guides hub, or read the main guide to how a claim works.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every claim turns on its own facts. For advice about your specific situation, speak to a regulated solicitor.