British Waterways Scotland is backing a national campaign by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to make people aware of the potentially devastating consequences of slips, trips and falls in the workplace.

One of Scotland’s top visitor attractions, the 35 metre high Falkirk Wheel − the world’s first and only rotating boat lift which is coming to the end of its month-long annual maintenance programme where safety is key.

David Lamont, Head of Operations, British Waterways Scotland said: "The safety of our staff, contractors and visitors is of paramount importance so we’re delighted to work with HSE and support the Shattered Lives campaign.

"The Falkirk Wheel connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal handling as many as 2,000 boat movements each year including boat trips for visitors. Each of the two gondolas weighs 300 tonnes and the structure itself features around 15,000 bolts all hand tightened.


"Altogether, the stresses on the structure and the central spine are immense so it is vitally important that we maintain The Falkirk Wheel to a very high standard and ensure the safety of our workforce whilst they carry out this important work."

Five people died and over 4000 accidents occurred in Scotland in 2008/09 as a result of slips, trips and falls in the workplace. Of those 1400 were major accidents while the other 2700 involved people being off work for at least three days.

HSE estimates that the combined financial costs incurred by society as a whole from preventable slips, trips and falls around £800 million a year.

The 'Shattered Lives' campaign aims to reduce the incidence of slips, trips and falls from height by showing employers and employees how easily they can happen and that simple, often cost effective measures can help reduce them.

Isabelle Martin, HM Inspector of Health and Safety, Construction Division said: "It's great that British Waterways Scotland is backing the campaign and takes responsible steps to control the potential for slips, trips and falls to happen in their unique workplace environment.

"Slips, trips and falls might sound comical, even trivial, but they shatter the lives of thousands of British workers ever year."

(GK)