Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a hard-hitting campaign, after it found “slips, trips and falls” in the workplace cost society an estimated £800m each year.
In the food retail sector alone, there were 948 major injuries and a further 91 that resulted in workers having to take more than three days off work due to slips, trips and falls throughout 2008-2009, which cost in excess of £2m. Costs which could have been avoided if the correct health and safety measures were put in place.
In response, HSE is launching a new phase of its Shattered Lives campaign, which involves raising awareness of the impact of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and direct people to the new website www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives for practical advice and guidance.
Angela Coleshill, HR director for the Food and Drink Federation, said: “The Food and Drink Federation fully supports the Shattered Lives campaign. The human and financial costs of such preventative incidents in the food manufacturing sector are extensive and we would urge companies to visit the Shattered Lives website to find out on how they can reduce slips, trips and falls in their organisation.”
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 every year.
“Making improvements doesn’t need to cost the earth and we are encouraging people to visit the 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.”
