Slips, trips and falls most common cause of injury in workplace
03/02/2010
A new campaign aimed at reducing the number of people injured in trips and falls at work has been launched.
The Health and Safety Executive said such incidents are the most common cause of major injuries in the workplace.
Some 30,000 people had to take more than three days off every year due to the injuries at a cost of £800 million a year to Britain, the HSE said.
It said its new campaign would be targeting help and advice at sectors where there were a high number of incidents, including food retail, catering, education and construction.
Peter Brown, head of the HSE's work and environment division, said: "These figures highlight the very real and serious nature of preventable slip, trip and fall incidents in the workplace.
"Slips, trips and falls might sound funny but they shatter the lives of thousands of British workers ever year.
"Making improvements doesn't need to cost the earth and we are encouraging people to visit our Shattered Lives website, where they will be able to get simple and cost effective solutions to help manage slips, trips and falls hazards in their workplace."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “I welcome this new initiative aimed at reducing the number of people injured or killed in trips and falls following a work accident.
“My experience is that slips and falls account for the highest proportion of injuries sustained following an accident at work. Such workplace injuries can occur in many ways and in many different types of occupation.
“I would urge employers to take heed of this new initiative and endeavour to provide workers with a safe place in a safe system of work so as to save any injuries or death following a work accident.”
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