The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a campaign to stem the tide of injuries swallowing the UK’s workforce.

According to HSE figures, slips, trips and fall accidents cost 40 employees their lives in 2008-09, while more than 14,000 staff suffered major injuries. The total cost of workplace accident is thought to be around £800m annually and the HSE is aiming to slash such preventable spending.

The Shattered Lives Campaign will target those industries with the biggest injury problems, including health and social care, education, food manufacturing, food retail, catering and hospitality, building and plant maintenance, and construction.

“These figures highlight the very real and serious nature of preventable slip, trip and fall incidents in the workplace,” commented Peter Brown, Head of the HSE’s Work and Environment Division.

With a series of sector specific posters, adverts, checklists and tips, the HSE is hoping that employees and their managers will take a more measured approach to safety in the workplace.

Max Walker, HSE Head of Operations in the South West, 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 every 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."

Many industry bodies have thrown their weight behind the HSE programme and are encouraging their members not to be ignorant of dangers.

"Unions will warmly welcome this practical, hard-hitting campaign and will be raising the issue with employers wherever and whenever they can", added TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber.

Paul Kirby from Fosters Solicitors' Personal Injury Department, says he "welcomes the improvements and the steps that are being taken to minimise workplace accidents. Many workplace accidents are avoidable, and when they do occur, can leave people seriously injured, and certainly out of pocket. Anything that can be done to minimise accidents should be done."

He confirmed the number of personal injury claims that are being brought each year has consistently fallen, despite the media’s comments as to the perceived "compensation culture". If, however, an accident does occur, then the right solicitors need to be appointed to ensure that the injured party receives maximum compensation.

Should you have any questions regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact our Mr Paul Kirby of the Personal Injury Department on 01603 620508.