HSE urges Scottish businesses to "get their house in order"

4th April 2008

Now that spring has sprung and the clocks have changed and thoughts turn to carrying out a thorough spring clean, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging businesses in Scotland to get their house in order and tidy up to help reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls in the workplace.

Slips trips and falls in the workplace cost Scottish society more than £72,800,000 in 2005/06, and 30 per cent of reported workplace injuries are slips, trips and falls
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The HSE is currently running the "Shattered Lives" campaign, which aims to create a step-change in the attitudes of businesses and their workers, to help them reduce the number of serious injuries to themselves and their colleagues from slips, trips and falls.

Simple steps reduce the risk
Simple steps, which don't cost a lot - if anything - can be taken to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. These include:

* Removing obstacles
* Tidying away trailing wires and cables, and
* Clear walkways for staff

It's not just obstacles that cause slips trips and falls. They can happen for a number of reasons and can be the result of badly fitted or the wrong type of flooring, contamination from rain water, oil or grease or other liquids.

Cleaning
The simple act of cleaning can prevent accidents but can also cause a hazard if it's not done properly. Whether it's trailing wires from a vacuum or buffing machine or a smooth floor that has been left wet, the risk needs to be managed. What employers need to do is ensure that there is an effective cleaning regime in place, and pedestrians can't get access to wet floors.

There are other considerations like footwear, and a sensible footwear policy should be adopted where appropriate. Slip resistant footwear is available and can improve grip, but employers should be careful and ensure that shoes or boots are fit for the purpose they need. When it's not possible to control the type of footwear, you need to ensure floors are kept clean and dry.

Finally, there's the human factor. Everyone should be encouraged to use their initiative and suggest ways of preventing slips and trips and falls, clear up spillages, keep work areas clear of obstacles and wear sensible footwear.

The message through HSE's 'Shattered Lives' campaign is clear - if you spot a hazard, don't assume 'somebody else will sort it out'.

Joint responsibility
Employers and employees both have a role to play in preventing slips, trips and falls - taking simple steps to reduce the risk can have a significant, positive impact and ultimately save a lot of time, money and problems; and potentially pain and suffering for individuals and their families.

More information about the HSE's Shattered Lives campaign can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives/index.htm and by calling infoline on 0845 345 0055.