Slipping and tripping 'the biggest causes of workplace accidents'

New research has found that slipping and tripping are the biggest single causes of accidents at work which then go on to result in claims for damages.

More than a third - 36 per cent - of all injuries sustained in the workplace are trips and falls which are caused by things such as spillages on floor surfaces, untidy workspaces, obstructions, uneven floors and bad lighting, Scottish Compensation stated.

Such issues are usually easy to resolve and can prevent any repeat incidents in the future, but there are still many compensation claims made every year due to these simple problems.

The study went on to reveal that there are some 4.7 million sick days taken in the UK every year due to accidents at work, the majority of which do not end in serious injuries yet were still worthy of payment of damages.

The Health and Safety Executive - the governmental watchdog on safety in workplaces - has the power to prosecute a company if its provisions to ensure the wellbeing of its staff are inadequate in relation to the Health and Safety Act 1974.

Posted by Craig Williams
 

18/08/2010 16:18