On International Workers Memorial Day, RCM’s Director for Representation and Organising shares some of the most recent workplace wins and settlements secured for RCM members.
In 2024 the RCM won a staggering £1.2 million in damages and settlements for RCM members through our comprehensive legal services. This figure is almost three times the previous year’s total, and while some cases relate to injuries outside of work there is a concerning increase in members being injured at work. All of which could have been prevented with thorough risk assessments and simple safety provisions which we know can prevent life affecting injuries and psychological damage.
‘Occupational health and safety – a fundamental right at work’ that’s the theme for this year’s International Workers Memorial Day and this will no doubt resonate strongly with some of our members.
Many of the legal cases we have successfully pursued for members tell the story of workplaces not fit for purpose – £13,500 for a member who tripped on trailing cables £10,000 for another who slipped on spills on the floor, a £12,000 settlement for an injury caused by faulty equipment. Over £200,000 for an injury caused by poorly lit and dangerous pathways into a maternity unit – all show that employers are failing in their duty to ensure a safe working environment.
While physical work hazards result in the large majority of our successful cases, the psychological impact of poor workplace cultures and high workloads can also lead to successful claims for members – this year saw a number of significant awards to members of over £100,000 caused by workplace stress that could have been reasonably foreseen by the employer
Our log of settlements also tells the story of workplaces where violence against staff is still prevalent, with attacks on midwives and maternity support workers featuring in some of the larger injury settlements this year. That said, you cannot put a price on the long-term psychological impact of violence at work and more must be done to ensure staff can work safely and without fear of physical attack.
By making workplaces safer for staff, and free from both physical and psychological risks, we can also improve the conditions for the women and families using maternity services. High quality safe maternity services need buildings that are fit for purpose, equipment that works and is easily accessible, particularly lifesaving equipment. We need safety measures that protect everyone. The RCM has said repeatedly that our members working conditions are the publics birthing conditions. Having to still highlight this in 2025 is simply not good enough and that’s what we’ve told the Government that maternity estates need urgent attention if we are to improve the safety of our services.
RCM members also benefit from a comprehensive legal service provided in conjunction with Thompsons Solicitors, and we work hard together to ensure members receive justice and compensation where that is due.
But of course, we would all prefer that everyone was able to go to work in an environment where injuries were prevented and all foreseeable hazards eliminated.
We are rightly proud of the support we give to members when things go wrong at work, but we would all agree that getting things right at work has to be a better way – here’s hoping that 2025 is a better year for healthy and safe maternity workplaces for all.
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