Work accident rate figures from 2009
After slip and trip work accidents affected 175 employees in Bucks last year, a campaign has been launched to reduce personal injury.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released figures which showed that 31 people had to take more than three days off work after an accident in 2009, and a total of 13 major incidents were recorded.
Around the county work danger was highlighted. In Chiltern, workers were involved in 17 major accidents with 25 people needing to take time off work after major injuries such as loss of sight, electric shocks and fractures were induced.
Health industry experts commented on the findings and stated that worker protection is vital and bosses must up their game.
Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, said: “The key is proper risk assessment and control measures as highlighted by the HSE.
“Unions will warmly welcome this practical hard-hitting campaign and will be raising the issue with employers wherever and whenever they can.”
Norman Macritchie, HSE principal inspector in Bucks, stated: “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 each year. Making improvements doesn't need to cost the earth and we are encouraging people to visit the Shattered Lives site, where they will be able to get simple and cost effective solutions to help manage slips, trips, and fall hazards in their workplace.”
In reaction to the latest data, the HSE is launching a Shattered Lives campaign aimed at the industries where accidents are more likely including - education, food and manufacturing, health and social care, food retail, catering and hospitality, construction and building and plant maintenance.
They have also launched a new website where they offer practical advice and guidance for employers and employees.
Walsall witnesses high accident rate too
In similar news, more than 50 workers in Walsall received injuries due to slipping, tripping and falling at work, a watchdog revealed.
The Health and Safety Executive said 185 workers living in the borough were affected by incidents in 2008/2009.
A total of 57 of those were severe enough to cause amputation, fractures, dislocation, burns, loss of sight or requiring hospitalisation for more than a day. Such accidents cost Great Britain £800 million in compensation claims each year.
However, Chris Gillies, North-east-based principal inspector for HSE, said a tightening of current legislation was not the answer:
“It’s about getting employers to take action quickly and undertake thorough risk assessments. People think that slips, trips and falls are trivial and insignificant - but they are the most common cause of injury in the workplace,” he said.Updated on 10/02/2010