50 serious injuries have been caused by slipping and tripping accidents in Bromley shops this year. The potentially life-changing accidents not only cause considerable pain but can break bones and even be fatal warn the Council’s Health and Safety Team. This warning echoes the “Watch your Step” campaign being launched nationally by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
“Employers should not gloss over their responsibilities to the safety of staff and visitors. Slipping accidents are one of the most common accidents at work and result in more time spent in hospital than car accidents. They happen in every type of workplace, not just shops, so everyone needs to play their part in preventing them” said Paul Lehane, Environmental Health Manager.
Over 50% of major slip and trip injuries result from accidents on surfaces and structures such as floors, pavements, steps and stairs. The October HSE campaign will include awareness-raising adverts on both radio and in magazines. Tips for employers being used in the campaign include carrying out assessments and prioritising risks, keeping floors dry and free of obstacles and the training and empowerment of employees to recognise risks and take action.
Last year, Bromley’s Health and Safety team undertook 150 inspections and investigated over 300 complaints and accidents. When carrying out routine inspections the team focus on five key areas, one of them looking at the potential for accidents from slips and trips
The law requires that floors in workplaces should be kept free from contamination so they do not present a risk from slipping or tripping. Failure to do so might mean an improvement notice or a prosecution with £20,000 maximum fine. Recent enforcement action has been against two businesses for slip and trip hazards. In one case improvement notices were served on a retail unit where the floor was not kept clear of stock and staff were at risk of tripping over boxes and bags. In the second, inspectors required improvements to a pub car park following an accident where a customer tripped over a pot hole.
For advice on how to prevent slipping and tripping accidents please visit www.bromley.gov.uk/environment/healthandsafety or call 020 8313 4218.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- A serious injury means the victim was taken to hospital immediately after the accident, had broken bones, or was off work for at least 3 days.
For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer on 020 8313 4989 or Paul Lehane, Environmental Health Manager on 020 8313 4216 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk.
Further information is available at www.bromley.gov.uk/environment/healthandsafety.