‘Slips and trips' at work costs society £31m

"Slips, trips and falls" in the hospitality industry cost society £31m last year, according to newly released statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

More than 50% of the injuries reported to the HSE by workers in the sector last year were from a slip, trip or fall.

The figures were released to mark the launch of a new HSE campaign, dubbed ‘Shattered Lives', which aims to raise awareness of the consequences of workplace injuries.

Elizabeth Gibby, head of the injuries reduction programme at the HSE, said: "Slips, trips and falls can be viewed as being minor, funny accidents but the effects are not. They can lead to major injuries, and a lifetime of disability or time off work and in worst cases, fatalities.

‘Shattered Lives' will encourage people to change their attitudes: if you spot a hazard, don't assume ‘somebody else will sort it out'."

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By Daniel Thomas

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