Safety News

Slips, trips and falls at the workplace are no joke, say the HSE

02.10.09, HSE

By HSE

A total of 61 people died and more than 14,000 suffered serious injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall from height in British workplaces last year. These shocking statistics have prompted the launch of an awareness raising campaign from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The second phase of the Shattered Lives campaign was launched to highlight the devastating consequences of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and to encourage employers, in consultation with their  employees, to ‘take action’. Marcia Davies, HSE Head of the Injury Reduction Programme said “People often view slips, trips and falls as trivial incidents, even comical but they are no joke to those who suffer major injuries, a lifetime of disability, time off work and in the worst cases death.

“We want to raise awareness of how these incidents can happen and how they can be easily avoided by taking common sense actions and precautions at no or little cost. If you spot a hazard in your workplace deal with it, don’t assume that somebody else will.

“The lives of workers and their families are shattered by the serious consequences of these types of accidents. Simple measures introduced by businesses can make a positive difference to safety in the workplace.”

Fatalities and serious injuries arising from slips, trips and fall incidents cost British society an estimated £700 million last year.

The campaign is targeted at seven sectors where there is a prevalence of such injuries: food retail, catering and hospitality, food and drink manufacturing, building and plant maintenance, construction, healthcare and education, although the risks can occur in any workplace.

To help businesses take preventive action the HSE launched STEP - an interactive learning package that provides practical guidance to help users tackle slips, trips and falls in their workplace. The tool is free and can be accessed online at www.hse.gov.uk/slips/step/index.htm