These incidents are no joke to the injured
I AM writing to encourage employers, and employees, to think a little bit more about how they could prevent slips, trips and falls where they work.
These incidents are often treated as trivial, even comical, but they are no joke to those who suffer major injuries, time off work and a lifetime of disability. Sometimes they even result in fatal injuries.
In 2008/09 in the north east there were 714 major injuries and 1,404 incidents that led to employees having to take three days or more off work as a result of slips, trips and falls from height.
This is why the Health and Safety Executive, in partnership with local authorities, is running its 'Shattered Lives' campaign. It aims to raise awareness of the hazards and to encourage employers to take action to reduce the risks.
HSE estimates that slips, trips and falls from height cost society around 800m a year.
The recent recession means that these costs are likely to be felt even more keenly by businesses and individuals, but reducing the likelihood of incidents needn't be an additional financial burden.
Actions as simple as changing the way floors are mopped or making sure the right access equipment is used for work at height may make a noticeable difference.
For more information visit www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives
DAVID COLE
HM Principal Inspector of
Health and Safety,
Health and Safety Executive
(North East).
All correspondence should be e-mailed to Your Say
It should also include a full name, address and daytime telephone number
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Weather for Blyth
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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