One person falls and seriously hurts themselves in a British workplace every three minutes and every hour someone breaks a bone, costing UK employers £512m a year, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The figure was released as part of the HSE’s Watch Your Step campaign, which highlights the effect falls can have on UK businesses.
Justin McCracken, HSE’s acting chief executive, said: “This is not a laughing matter, particularly when absenteeism, insurance, wage and civil liability costs are taken into consideration.”
The HSE has detailed a number of preventative methods to avoid falls. These include ensuring there is adequate lighting, clearing up spillages and making sure flooring is suitable.
More information is available from www.watchyourstep.hse.gov.uk and the helpline 0845 345 0055.
