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09/10/2002
Slips and trips cost UK business over £300m every year
One third of all major reported accidents at work are as a direct result of a slip or trip, which are the most common causes of non-fatal major injuries in both the manufacturing and service industries.
Such incidents also account for over half of all reported injuries to members of the public.
The combined cost to UK business is put at over £300 million every year with around 35,000 people hurt in falls at work and 70 killed.
According to Stuart Mutch, a managing consultant of the safety department at Croner Consulting, it is in the interest of owners, managers and employees to reduce workplace hazards by introducing some simple, housekeeping measures.
"Too often organisations focus on machinery and guards and forget the contribution that trailing cables, uneven floors, high shelves, site traffic or slippery surfaces bring," he said.
"Every accident brings distress to families and colleagues. Legal action - especially if a member of the public is involved - can be extremely damaging to businesses as insurance only covers a small proportion of the costs.
"Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) employers are required to ensure the health and safety of all employees. The law was upgraded in 1999 to require employers to assess risks, including risks of slips and trips, and to take action to safeguard the health of their people."
Croner Consulting recommends that employers keep records of maintenance and cleaning programmes, including details of inspections, faults and repairs.
A regular programme of risk assessment on site, supported by a regular monitoring programme, is also good practice.
(SP)
Such incidents also account for over half of all reported injuries to members of the public.
The combined cost to UK business is put at over £300 million every year with around 35,000 people hurt in falls at work and 70 killed.
According to Stuart Mutch, a managing consultant of the safety department at Croner Consulting, it is in the interest of owners, managers and employees to reduce workplace hazards by introducing some simple, housekeeping measures.
"Too often organisations focus on machinery and guards and forget the contribution that trailing cables, uneven floors, high shelves, site traffic or slippery surfaces bring," he said.
"Every accident brings distress to families and colleagues. Legal action - especially if a member of the public is involved - can be extremely damaging to businesses as insurance only covers a small proportion of the costs.
"Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) employers are required to ensure the health and safety of all employees. The law was upgraded in 1999 to require employers to assess risks, including risks of slips and trips, and to take action to safeguard the health of their people."
Croner Consulting recommends that employers keep records of maintenance and cleaning programmes, including details of inspections, faults and repairs.
A regular programme of risk assessment on site, supported by a regular monitoring programme, is also good practice.
(SP)
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