HSE campaigning to stop further deaths

 

Two people died and 374 suffered major injuries as a result of a slip, trip or fall from height in workplaces in Bristol last year.

 

These shocking statistics have prompted the launch of an awareness raising campaigning from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

 

The second phase of the Shattered Lives campaign is to highlight the devastating consequences of slips, trips and falls in the workplace, and to encourage employers to take action.

 

HSE Head of the Injury Reduction Programme Marcia Davies 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.”

 

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.

 

www.hse.gov.uk