Slips, trips and falls - the consequences - 12/02/2010

With over 10000 people suffering a major injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched the third stage of its "Shattered Lives" initiative with a hard-hitting campaign on slips, trips and falls in the workplace.

The HSE figures show that slips and trips are the most common cause of major workplace injury in Britain with more workplace deaths triggered by falls from height than any other cause, according to official statistics.

The combined financial costs incurred by society as a whole is around £800 million a year, at a time when both businesses and individuals are struggling financially following the recent recession.

Last year, in addition to 40 fatalities, there were over 15,000 major injuries to workers, as well as over 30,000 workers having to take over three days off work.

The latest phase of the HSE's Shattered Lives campaign is being targeted at those sectors where there is a high number of slips, trips and falls accidents each year, specifically:

• health and social care
• education
• food manufacturing
• food retail
• catering and hospitality
• building and plant maintenance
• construction.

Therefore, before you become a statistic, contact RANA risk management to ensure that your risk assessments are up to date and your control measures are suitable and sufficient.