Dirty floors in workplaces across the borough could be posing a serious risk to employees. Many of the 8,000 plus work places in Bromley do not always meet the basic requirement of clean, dry and tidy floors according to the Council’s Health and Safety Team. A major publicity campaign ‘Watch your Step’ is being run by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) this month to highlight the potentially life-threatening risks from untidy and dirty floors, particularly when carrying out manual handling activities.
“Experience and stark statistics show that the movement of goods is a major contributor to injuries at work in London. Many slip and trip accidents in the workplace occur when employees have their hands full. Some have even slipped and fallen in front of vehicles.” said Charles Horsefield, HSE’s Head of Operations for London.
Each year slips and trips cause over 11,000 major injuries in the UK, over 80% of which result in fractures. Over 90% of those injured are absent from work for at least one week. The costs of these accidents to the UK economy and employers have been estimated at £800m and £500m respectively.
Keeping floors clean and clear in the workplace is a simple task but is often overlooked. Worryingly, the Bromley Health and Safety Team find wet, greasy or littered floors common problem in local workplaces. The team works alongside businesses to introduce measures to reduce the risk of injury to employees whilst carrying out their everyday work.
A series of eye-catching posters have been designed by Bromley Council to promote the risks associated with slip and trip hazards in the workplace. Businesses can claim their free posters and hazard assessment advice by calling 020 8313 4218.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Further information about the HSE campaign can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/watchyourstep/
For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer on 020 8313 4989 or Paul Lehane, Health and Safety Manager on
020 8313 4216 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk.