A total of 10 people died and more than 4,000 suffered serious injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall from height in Scottish workplaces last year.

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

The second phase of the Shattered Lives campaign was launched to highlight the devastating consequences of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and to encourage employers, in consultation with their employees, to 'take action'.

Paul Stollard, HSE Director Scotland 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.

-- Advertisement --

"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."

Fatalities and serious injuries arising from slips, trips and fall incidents cost British society an estimated £700m last year.

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.

To help businesses take preventive action the HSE launched STEP - an interactive learning package that provides practical guidance to help users tackle slips, trips and falls in their workplace. The tool is free and can be accessed online at www.hse.gov.uk/slips/step/index.htm

(GK/JM)