'Slips, Trips And Falls' Cause Workplace Deaths

Slip, trip and fall incidents in the workplace cost five Scottish workers their lives last year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warned today as it launched a hard-hitting campaign.

HSE figures show that slips and trips are the most common cause of major workplace injury in Britain and cost society an estimated £800 million each year. More workplace deaths are triggered by falls from height than any other cause, according to official statistics.

In addition to five fatalities in Scotland there were more 1,405 major injuries to workers, as well as 2,742 workers having to take over three days off work.

As well as the tragic human cost, preventable slips, trips and falls are having a serious financial impact on the UK. HSE estimates that the combined financial costs incurred by society as a whole is around £800million a year, at a time when both businesses and individuals are struggling financially following the recent recession.


In response, HSE is launching a new phase of its Shattered Lives campaign, aimed at reducing slips, trips and falls in the workplace.

The hard hitting campaign involves raising awareness of the impact of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and directs people to the new Shattered Lives website for practical advice and guidance.

The campaign is 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, and construction.

On the new campaign website, people will be able to find out information on how they can easily, and cost effectively, reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls in the workplace, and see what other organisations, such as Sainsbury’s and First Line Digital, have done. Included on the site is an online tool (STEP) and a work at height access equipment toolkit (WAIT). Advice ranges from how to deal with spills and other slip risks, to the importance of using ladders correctly to reduce the risk of falling from height.

Dr Paul Stollard, HSE Director Scotland said: "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 ever 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 falls hazards in their workplace."

(GK/BMcC)