185 hit by accidents at work in Walsall

MAJOR injuries were caused to more than 50 people in Walsall as a result of slips, trips and falls in the workplace last year a safety watchdog revealed this week.

The Health and Safety Executive said 185 workers lives in the borough were affected by incidents in 2008/2009.

A total of 57 of those were severe enough to cause amputation, fractures, dislocation, burns, loss of sight or requiring hospitalisation for more than a day.

Falls categorised as major or requiring in excess of three days off work numbered 44, doubling the previous year's total. There were 141 serious slips and trips, down from the 2007/2008 figure of 152.

Across the West Midlands 4,440 slips, trips and falls having a significant impact on workers were recorded.

In Britain such accidents are estimated to cost £800 million each year.

To combat the problem, the HSE is launching a new phase of its Shattered Lives campaign to raise awareness of the issue.

Rosi Edwards, HSE West Midlands regional director, 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."

The initiative is targeting workplace sectors where a high number of slips, trips and falls occur each year, including education, food manufacturing and retail, health and social care, catering and hospitality, building and plant maintenance, and construction.

Anyone wanting information on the new campaign can visit www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives for practical advice and guidance on how to cost-effectively reduce the risk of incidents occurring.